Carrier oil amount + dilution strength = exact drops. Conservative numbers, honestly explained.
Reference chart (20 drops ≈ 1 ml)
| Carrier | 0.5% | 1% | 2% | 3% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ml | 1 drop | 2 drops | 4 drops | 6 drops |
| 30 ml | 3 drops | 6 drops | 12 drops | 18 drops |
| 50 ml | 5 drops | 10 drops | 20 drops | 30 drops |
| 100 ml | 10 drops | 20 drops | 40 drops | 60 drops |
How to read the percentages
0.5% - the gentlest option: delicate skin, first-time blends, children 2+ (and only after talking to a specialist). 1% - everyday use and facial skin. 2% - the common standard for adult body oils and massage blends. 3% - short-term, targeted use on small areas; we treat this as the everyday ceiling and do not calculate higher.
Some oils need extra care at any percentage: bergamot and lemon are photosensitising (no sun on treated skin for 12-18 hours, and cold-pressed bergamot stays at 0.4% or below), cinnamon bark and lemon verbena are not skin oils at all - we do not recommend them on skin at any percentage - while oregano and camphor stay at 1% at most, rose stays at 0.6% and jasmine at 0.7%, and tea tree must never be used around cats or dogs. When in doubt, use less and ask a specialist - our home use guide covers the basics.