Essential oil roll-on dilution chart
Would you like to make your own roll-on with essential oil? It all starts with the right dilution. In a roll-on for the skin, you don’t use lots of drops, but rather a gentle, careful dosage in a carrier oil. This ensures your blend remains gentle, pleasant to use and suitable for your skin. Below you’ll find a handy dilution chart for a 10 ml roll-on, plus tips on How to dilute essential oil safely and to use.
Drops and percentages for a 10 ml roller
Use this table as a quick guide. If you’re making a blend of several essential oils, the figure always refers to the total number of drops combined.
|
For whom or for what |
Drops of essential oil in 10 ml |
Practical explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
Sensitive skin or first-time mixing |
10 drops |
Extra mild and gentle to start with |
|
Children aged 2 and over |
10 drops |
Only with child-friendly oils |
|
Adults: for daily use |
25–30 drops |
A mild standard for a soft roller |
|
Adults – general use |
25–35 drops |
A delicate balance between fragrance and softness |
|
Adults: for short-term, topical use |
40 drops |
Stronger, but still diluted |
Babies and children under the age of 2
For babies and very young children, roll-on products for direct application to the skin are generally not recommended, unless you are under the supervision of an expert. Furthermore, do not just look at the concentration; also consider the safety of the specific oil. Not every essential oil is suitable for children, during pregnancy or for sensitive skin.
Why dilute it, and which base oil should you use?
Essential oil is highly concentrated. That is why you should always mix it with a carrier oil – also known as a base oil – before applying it to the skin. A carrier oil helps to distribute the scent evenly, makes application gentler and reduces the risk of irritation. Water is not suitable for this purpose, as essential oils do not dissolve in it.
Have a lovely base oils For a roll-on, try jojoba, sweet almond and sesame oil. Jojoba often feels balanced and nourishing and adds a lovely synergy to a blend; almond oil is a little richer and softer; and sesame oil is soft and warm. Above all, choose an oil that feels pleasant on your skin and suits how you want to use your roller – for example, as part of a small daily ritual for calm, focus or grounding.
How many drops of essential oil go in a roller?
For most people, a essential oil roller The 10 ml size is the most convenient. It’s easy to carry around and keeps your blend organised. In practice, a mild roll-on usually contains between 25 and 30 drops in total. A standard daily blend usually amounts to 25 to 35 drops. If you want a slightly more pronounced scent, you’ll often use up to 40 drops in 10 ml. More isn’t necessarily better. On the skin, a subtle scent is often more pleasant.
- 5 ml roller – use approximately half the amount you would use with a 10 ml roller
- 10 ml roller – the most commonly used size for use at home and on the go
- Blend containing several oils – always add up the total number of drops
Make your own essential oil roll-on
What do you need?
- A clean 10 ml glass roller bottle
- A carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond
- Your chosen essential oil or a small blend
- The rollerball and cap
- A label with a name and date
Step-by-step guide
- First, determine the desired dilution using the table above.
- Drop the essential oil into the empty roller bottle.
- Then top up the bottle with your base oil until it reaches just below the rim.
- Click the rollerball firmly into place and screw the cap on.
- Gently roll or tilt the bottle so that everything mixes thoroughly.
- Write on the label which oils you have used, what percentage you chose, and the date on which you made the roll-on.
Would you like to make a blend containing, for example, lavender, orange and frankincense? If so, divide the total number of drops between those oils.
Safe use and storage
Apply your roll-on to areas such as your wrists, neck or the soles of your feet, and avoid the eyes, mucous membranes and damaged skin. Always test a new blend on a small patch of skin first. If you notice any redness, itching or irritation, stop using it immediately. Are you taking any medication, are you pregnant or do you have a medical condition? If so, please read the Contraindications and points to note.
Take extra care with citrus oils such as lemon, lime or bergamot. Some citrus oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, do not use them immediately before sunbathing, or check that you are using a non-phototoxic variety. Store your roller in a dark, cool place and keep it tightly sealed. This will ensure your blend stays fresh for longer and allow you to work with the power of scent in a calm, mindful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dilute essential oil for use on the skin?
Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond or sesame oil. For a 10 ml roll-on, you can use 25–35 drops for an adult. It’s best to start with a lower amount if you have a sensitive reaction or are making a roll-on for the first time.
Can I combine several essential oils in a single roller?
Yes, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you stick to the total number of drops that corresponds to the chosen dilution.
Which base oil is best for a roll-on?
For many people, jojoba is a great all-round choice, as it is stable and feels pleasant on the skin. We also use this oil ourselves as the base for our roll-ons. The oil works beautifully in synergy with the essential oil and has a long shelf life. Sweet almond oil is gentle and slightly richer, whilst sesame oil feels soft and warm. If you have sensitive skin and are unsure which base oil you choose, then choose a mild, pure, cold-pressed base oil.
How long does a homemade roll-on last?
That depends on the base oil used and how you store the roller. Generally speaking, you can expect it to last for around 6 to 12 months. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed, and always note the date of manufacture on the label.
Can I use the same dilution for children?
No, for children you usually choose a lower dilution and only oils that are suitable for their age. For children aged 2 and over, the recommended dosage is often 10 drops per 10 ml. For babies and children under the age of 2, extra caution is required and topical application is not usually the first choice.
Are you unsure about the correct dilution, or would you prefer to roll-ons Why not choose products that have already been carefully curated? At De Groene Linde, we’re happy to help you with personalised advice. From our base in Heiloo, we carefully bottle and package our 100% natural oils, handmade blends and scent frequencies, so that you can work with scent in a way that feels safe, gentle and mindful.
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