Updated: 19th December 2023
Welcome to the world of essential oils, where the essence of nature's bounty is captured in tiny, aromatic droplets. Essential oils, derived from the purest substances in plants, are celebrated for their captivating fragrances and potent properties. However, their high concentration requires careful handling, especially when applied topically. This is where the art of dilution comes in, transforming these potent essences into gentle, skin-friendly oil blends.
In this guide, we'll focus on the role of coconut oil as a carrier oil, a natural medium that safely delivers the benefits of essential oils like rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree to your skin. Whether you're a novice to essential oils or an experienced enthusiast, understanding how to effectively combine these oils with coconut oil is key to unlocking their full potential.
Join us as we delve into this comprehensive guide, where we'll explore the nuances of blending essential oils with coconut oil, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Get ready to embark on a sensory journey that promises to be as enriching as it is enlightening.
THE BASICS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
If this is your first time using essential oils, there are three things you need to know. First, essential oils are natural; they are quite potent substances that are extracted from plants. Second, they are extremely aromatic; in fact, many scented products, including soaps, candles and perfumes get their fragrance from essential oils. Third, they are highly condensed; direct topical application is not advisable. To make their topical application easy, we mix essential oils with carrier oils like coconut oil.
COCONUT OIL AS A CARRIER OIL
Like essential oils, carrier oils come in a variety of types thanks to the diverse plant species that can produce them. One of the most popular, and possibly the most widely used, carrier oils available on the market today is coconut oil and its less viscous version, fractionated coconut oil.
Coconut oil is prized not only for its ability to efficiently carry essential oils to the skin, but also for its own cosmetic benefits. Like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oils, coconut oil has properties that makes it an excellent ingredient for your skincare and hair care regimens.
HOW TO DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS WITH COCONUT OIL
Before stressing over the dilution process, remember that both essential oil and coconut oil are oils. It is to be noted that to gain the most success out of their use, it is always best to be cautious when diluting. Here’s a quick guide that you can follow.
1. Prepare the materials and tools you need, including the essential oils, regular coconut oil, a small glass bowl (or beaker), a pan, an induction stove, and a mixing spoon. Coconut oil can dilute just about any kind of essential oil, so don’t limit your choice of essential oils.
2. Unlike essential oil, coconut oil is available in liquid form (fractionated coconut oil) or solidified form (virgin or RBD coconut oil), depending on how it’s stored. To efficiently dilute essential oils, you have to melt the coconut oil first (if using the virgin or RBD forms). Pour at least 1/4 cup of coconut oil into the glass bowl or beaker and water into the pan. Put the pan on the stove and the bowl into the pan. This boiling method is called the double-boiler method.
3. Turn up the induction stove to 80 degrees Celsius and wait for the coconut oil to fully melt. This only takes a few minutes, so don’t leave the stove unattended. You don’t want your melted coconut oil to evaporate. Turn down the heat when there are no more chunks of coconut oil left in the bowl.
4. Once the coconut oil is fully melted, wait for it to cool down to at least 60 degrees Celsius before pouring 20 drops of essential oil. If you pour the essential oils too soon, odds are they will only dissipate and you won’t get the fragrance and soothing effect you desire. Mix well until you can no longer distinguish the essential oil from the carrier oil.
5. Pour the mixture into a separate container, maybe a jar or a pot of your choice. Cover the container properly and allow the mixture to cool. To preserve the quality of your diluted essential oil, store it in a cool area, avoiding direct sunlight.
It’s highly likely that the mixture will harden due to the fatty acids present in the coconut oil. You can avoid this by using fractionated coconut oil as your carrier oil instead of virgin or RBD coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is devoid of the major fatty acids that make regular coconut oil solidify. To be sure, however, consult with experts at N-Essentials. They can give you all the advice you need to produce the right mixture.
DILUTING SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL OILS WITH COCONUT OIL
There are some essential oils that are a great fit with coconut oil. Their qualities complement each other, and they can make for great products, whether you’re looking for natural skincare products or DIY hair care.
How do I dilute rosemary oil with coconut oil?
Blend 20 drops of rosemary oil with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. This combination is great for those looking to add natural ingredients to their hair care routine. You can oil your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before you shampoo it out. Or you can use some drops after your shampoo to tame the frizzy curls.
What is the process for diluting eucalyptus oil with coconut oil?
Mix 20 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Eucalyptus is known for its fresh smell, and this blend can be used in diffusers around your home or office space.
How can I mix lavender oil with coconut oil?
Combine 20 drops of lavender oil with 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Lavender is an excellent addition to skincare products. A few drops of this blend can be added to your DIY soap and bath bomb recipes.
How do I mix oregano oil with coconut oil?
Oregano oil should be diluted at a ratio of 10 drops to 1/4 cup of coconut oil. The strong smell of oregano oil is blended in with the tropical scent of the virgin coconut oil, if you’re using the virgin form. Fractionated coconut oil or RBD coconut oil do not have a scent.
How do I use peppermint oil with coconut oil?
Dilute 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Peppermint has an invigorating smell that the gentle aroma of virgin coconut oil can complement. Feel free to use this blend in your diffusers. You can also use this blend in your homemade candle recipes to give them a fresh smell.
What's the best way to dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil?
Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Tea tree is popular for its scent. Mixing it with coconut oil makes for a great massage oil.
Using essential oils can be a transformative experience, offering a range of benefits to your DIY skin and hair care routines. However, their potency necessitates proper dilution, which is where coconut oil comes in. Coconut oil, with its myriad of beauty benefits, serves as an excellent carrier oil for this purpose. To learn more about essential oils and carrier oils, contact the team at N-Essentials. We are Australia’s trusted source of natural oils and raw ingredients. Order online and find your favourites in bulk quantities.