Carrier Oils 101: How to Dilute Essential Oils the Right Way

If you take one thing from any aromatherapy guide, make it this: essential oils are concentrated, and they belong in a carrier before they touch your skin. Here is the why and the how.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is a gentle, fixed plant oil — castor, jojoba, coconut, sweet almond — that "carries" a few drops of potent essential oil safely onto your skin. It dilutes the essential oil and helps it spread and absorb.

Why you can't skip it

Undiluted essential oils can irritate, sensitise or even burn skin. Diluting is not optional caution — it is the difference between a pleasant treatment and a reaction. It also makes your expensive essential oils last far longer.

The simple ratios

• Face / sensitive skin (≈1%): 1 drop essential oil per teaspoon of carrier.
• Body / scalp (≈2%): 5–6 drops per tablespoon of carrier.
• Always patch test a small area and wait 24 hours.

Choosing a carrier

For scalp and deep-conditioning, our organic castor oil is a rich, popular choice (mix it with a lighter oil if you prefer a thinner feel). Then add your essential oil — rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus — at the ratios above.

Dilute properly and your oils work better, last longer and stay kind to your skin. Shop Asuka oils →

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