Essential Oils and Their Uses: A Complete List for Beginners

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Reviewed by:  Kacie La

If you had just encountered the term “essential oils” and you’re curious what they are and how you can incorporate them in your life, then you’re in the perfect place to learn about essential oils for everyday use! It’s a totally whole new world, with over 150 essential oils (and counting!) to choose from. But don’t worry because this is your ultimate guide to essential oils for beginners! Read on to explore the complete essential oils list, essential oil uses, aromatherapy oils guide, and more!

Essential Oils For Beginners

Essential oils refer to natural plant extracts utilised in many ways: from skin care, hair care, aromatherapy, and massage. These oils often work as your natural alternatives to store-bought products, providing different benefits based on what you prefer and need. Essential oils are produced by extracting the essence of plant materials, done through different methods, including cold-press extraction, steam distillation, and many other.

Essential Oil Uses

As mentioned, there’s a wide range of essential oil uses, including skin care, hair care, aromatherapy, and massages. It’s only a matter of choosing the best and appropriate oil based on your preference and needs, and diluting them properly.

Diluting and Diffusing Essential Oils

Essential oils are often too strong for direct skin use and must be properly diluted with carrier oils to prevent any adverse reaction, such as rashes or irritation. Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a specific oil typically using carrier oils until the EOs become safe for topical use.

For facial use, use the recommended 1% dilution rate of essential oil with carrier oil, which means mixing 1 drop of essential oil for every 5 ml of carrier oil. When mixing with skincare products, use a 0.5% dilution ratio: not more than 2 drops of essential oil for every 30 ml of skincare product.

For body use, it is recommended to do a 2% dilution rate: 2 drops of essential oil for every 5 ml of carrier oil or 6 drops of essential oil with 15 ml of skincare or body care product.

For hair care, the recommended dilution ratio is 2% for both carrier oil dilution and hair care product dilution.

Remember that all topical applications must be set at a maximum of 3% dilution ratio. Check the table below and use it as your guide to essential oils dilution ratios.

Dilution Guide to Essential Oils

For your aromatherapy oils guide, add 3-5 drops of your aromatic essential oil for every 100 ml of water in your diffuser.

Essential Oil Benefits

Among the many essential oil uses is skincare due to their numerous skin-loving benefits, which include the promotion of radiant skin and younger-looking appearance.

Essential Oils for Radiant and Younger-looking Skin

Here’s your essential oils guide to recommended oils that promote radiant and younger-looking skin.

Essential Oils for a Refreshing Skin Experience

Also among the essential oil uses for skincare is promoting a more balanced feeling on the skin. So, here’s your essential oils list if you prefer or need a refreshing skin experience.

Essential Oils to Mask Visible Blemishes

Meanwhile, here’s your essential oils list to support a naturally balanced-looking complexion.

Essential Oils for Hair Care

If you want to tend to your hair and scalp, here’s your essential oils guide for more revitalised strands and scalp.

Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

This guide to essential oils for beginners also includes this list of essential oils you can use for aromatherapy. Fill your space with ambient fragrance of your choice with this aromatherapy oils guide.

Essential Oils for Massage

Here’s your essential oils guide to revitalising massage experiences. Use any from this essential oils list for massage.

Essential Oils for Perfumery

Aside from the aromatherapy oils guide provided above, this essential oils list includes some oils you can use when you want to create your DIY perfume or venture into a perfumery business.

• Amyris
• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Cedarwood
• Chamomile
• Citronella
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Kunzea
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Orange
• Pine
• Rosemary
• Rose Otto
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Safe Use of Essential Oils

Of course, this guide to essential oils for beginners also comes with measures you must do to ensure the safe and proper use of essential oils.

1. For external/topical use only

The information and formulations provided in this essential oils guide are for TOPICAL/EXTERNAL uses of essential oils.

2. Dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils

Generally, we follow the 1-2% dilution ratio for adult use; while for children, elderly, or those with sensitive skin, we follow a 0.5-1% dilution ratio (see Dilution Chart above). Remember to keep the dilution ratio at a maximum of 3% for topical use.
As per our aromatherapy oils guide, mix 3-5 drops with 100 ml diffuser water for a balanced infusion of scent into your space.

3. Consult your Doctor

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition (such as liver concerns, epilepsy, or cancer), seek advice from a healthcare professional and a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using natural oils (including essential, carrier, or absolute oils). This ensures safe and appropriate use.
The same precaution applies when using essential oils for children, pets, or individuals with sensitive skin.

4. Research

This guide to essential oils for beginners also emphasises the need to always do your research on particular oils you are planning to use, especially their possible side effects and if they have specific dilution ratio recommended.

5. Diffuse oils in well-ventilated spaces

Always diffuse essential oils in a well-ventilated area for a balanced and comfortable aroma. If the scent becomes overpowering and fresh air is limited, consider improving ventilation to maintain airflow.

6. Store your oils properly

Store your essential oils in places inaccessible to children, pets, heat for potential flame such as near candles, gas stoves, lit cigarettes, or open fireplaces.