For a weaker blend, what percentage of essential oil should be mixed with carrier oil?

In aromatherapy, the percentage of essential oil mixed with a carrier oil is crucial for safety and efficacy, particularly for vulnerable populations or sensitive skin types. A blend that is around 1.25% essential oil to carrier oil is considered a weaker or more diluted blend, making it an appropriate choice for children, the elderly, or those with sensitive skin.

This lower concentration still allows for the therapeutic properties of the essential oil to be utilized while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions that can occur with higher concentrations. In general, a 1.25% dilution means that there are approximately 6-7 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, which is ample for gentle application methods such as massage or skin application.

Higher concentrations, such as 2.5%, 5%, or 10% essential oil, may be suitable for specific therapeutic conditions or experienced users but can pose risks of irritation or sensitization for those more sensitive to essential oils. Therefore, the choice of 1.25% reflects adherence to safety guidelines while still respecting the desired outcome of using essential oils.