How to Use Essential Oils Safely and Effectively | Quick Usage Guide

Discover the many ways you can use essential oils in your home and learn how to apply them safely and effectively, whether aromatically, in DIYs, or topically.

Can I apply that directly to my skin? Can I use this in my skincare DIYs like lotions, shampoos, and body scrubs? How many drops should I put in a diffuser?

These are questions I get all the time and ones I remember asking when I bought my first set of oils. The more I use essential oils and the more research I do, these things start to feel like second nature.

Essential oils can be used in several different ways, with the most popular being: aromatically, topically, and in DIY skincare projects. I’ve written posts diving into each of these, but I decided it was time to create a quick usage guide to compile some of this information.

This is for you if you’re new to essential oils or just want a refresher.

Before we begin

I am not a doctor. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are using them around children.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Please handle them with care and store them in a safe place that is well out of reach of children and pets.

How to Use Essential Oils

First off, not all essential oils are created equal, and when I am talking about the way to use essential oils, I am talking about high-quality pure oils.

The FDA does not regulate essential oils, so you really have to do your own research. Be sure to check into how the essential oils are tested, where they are sourced, and if they are organic…you get the point. You can read more about the oils I use and why here.

Essential Oils can be used in several different ways

• Aromatically: Using essential oils in a diffuser or as part of a DIY room spray to enjoy their scent and benefits.
• Topically: Applying diluted essential oils to the skin or incorporating them into beauty DIYs like lotions, body scrubs, and shampoos.
• In DIYs: Blending essential oils into homemade beauty products and natural cleaners to elevate your everyday routines with safe, effective solutions.

Aromatic use

Essential oils can be very effective for freshening the air, boosting the immune system, and even helping improve moods and stress. Just inhaling an essential oil can help to boost energy or help you to fall asleep.

There are 3 different ways to use your oils aromatically:

1. Diffuser

The most popular way to use essential oils is with a diffuser. A diffuser is a great way to get aromatic benefits because diffusers disperse tiny essential oil molecules into the air. As you inhale them, the molecules enter the body and start doing their job.

The amount of essential oil drops you add to your diffuser really depends on the size. Use this chart for a guide.

• 100mL: 3-5 drops
• 200mL: 6-10 drops
• 300mL: 11-15 drops
• 400mL: 16-20 drops
• 500mL: 21-25 drops

Learn how to clean a diffuser HERE

Learn how to make your own diffuser HERE

2. Room sprays

Another way you can use essential oils aromatically is in room sprays. It is an easy and effective way to freshen up your home while avoiding synthetic fragrances. A few spritzes can transform a space—reviving a stuffy room, adding a clean scent to the bathroom, or even setting the perfect holiday vibe.

For a fresh, everyday spray, try blending citrus oils like lemon or sweet orange with a hint of lavender. To bring seasonal cheer, mix warm notes of cinnamon, clove, and Douglas fir for a cozy, holiday-inspired atmosphere.

Simply combine distilled water, a splash of witch hazel or vodka, and your chosen oils in a spray bottle, and you’re ready to create the perfect ambiance.

3. Direct Inhalation

I have heard this method referred to as the “poor man’s diffuser.” Inhaling essential oils is a great way to enjoy their benefits—simply dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, place it on a cotton ball or your palms, and breathe in the soothing aroma. Actually, this is very common and effective for aromatherapy.

Topical Use

This is definitely the way I use oils most! Applying essential oils to the skin can be a great way to enhance your beauty routines or elevate your self-care experience.

My favorite way to use essential oils topically is by making roller bottles or adding them to lotions, soaps, and perfumes for a personalized touch.

1. Roller Bottles

In my opinion, roller bottles are the easiest way to apply essential oils to the skin. You can make your roller bottle diluted how you want and throw it in your purse to use on the go.

To make a roller bottle, add essential oils first and then top it off with a carrier oil. My favorite carrier oil is fractioned coconut oil.

• Adults use 15-30 drops of essential oil in a 10 mL roller bottle.

2. Lotions and body butters

Another great way to use essential oils topically is by making a lotion or salve or adding a few drops directly to a carrier oil like coconut oil.

Using essential oils in DIYs

Essential oils are a fantastic addition to homemade beauty products, cleaning solutions, and more! When incorporating them into your DIYs, it’s important to dilute them properly with a carrier oil or another base ingredient, such as coconut oil or shea butter, to ensure they blend well and are safe for use.

Whether you’re making lotions, body scrubs, or natural cleaners, essential oils can add incredible scent and benefits to your projects.

It is important to follow recommended dilution ratios, which can vary from project to project. But with the right precautions, your DIYs can be both effective and enjoyable!

Where is the best place to apply essential oils directly?

If you’re looking to target a specific area, you can apply the essential oil directly where you feel the need. For example, if you’re focusing on skincare, you can apply it directly to the area or use it to refresh your body and mind.

However, sometimes, we need to address things that aren’t tied to a specific physical location, like mood, energy levels, or overall wellness.

• Bottom of the Feet: The bottoms of your feet have some of the largest pores and are less sensitive, making them an ideal spot for applying essential oils, allowing them to absorb quickly.
• Down the Spine: I love applying essential oils along the spine. This area is great for experiencing the full benefits of your favorite oils.
• Behind the Ears: Behind the ears is another common area for applying essential oils because they absorb quickly here. It’s a wonderful spot to apply oils before bed or when you’re looking to unwind. Just be sure to avoid getting any inside your ears.
• Chest and Back: The chest and back are great areas to apply oils, especially when you want to feel their effects on a larger surface area, helping to create an overall soothing experience.
• Wrist: The wrist is a perfect spot to apply essential oils, whether you’re using them as a natural fragrance or just adding a touch of scent to your day.

Should you always dilute essential oils?

If in doubt, dilute! That’s always my recommendation. Many people believe that diluting an essential oil makes it less effective, but actually, the opposite is true. When you mix essential oils with a carrier oil, it helps them absorb better into the skin and allows the oil to penetrate deeper into the tissue.

I always recommend diluting essential oils before applying them to the skin, especially when using them on individuals with sensitive skin.

While there are some oils, like lavender, that are considered “neat” oils and can be applied directly to the skin, it’s still a good practice to dilute them to be on the safe side. Because essential oils are so concentrated, I always err on the side of caution and suggest dilution.

You can check out my top 10 carrier oils for diluting essential oils here.

What are your favorite ways to use essential oils? How do you use them most often? Share your thoughts in the comments below!