How Much Essential Oil to Use in Skin Care Products?

The amount of essential oils to use in skin care products varies with the intensity of scent. Usually less is more. Essential oils with a strong scent like jasmine absolute, 1 drop in one ounce may be plenty. Start with one drop at a time. You can always add more but you can’t take it out. The scent of essential oils takes time to evolve and blend with the other ingredients. The scent will change and settle in about 1-2 weeks.

Suggested amounts for essential oils are for external use in skin care products and for adults. For sensitive skin, children and elders cut amounts in half or less.

Face products the general usage is 1%.
Body products the general usage is 2%.

The percentage is figured by drops:

In 1 ounce of product use
1% = 6 drops
2% =12 drops

In 2 ounces of product use
1% = 12 drops
2% = 24 drops

In 3 ounces of product use
1% = 18 drops
2% = 36 drops

In 4 ounces of product use
1% = 24 drops
2% = 48 drops

For more information on essential oils for skincare and essential oil blends check out the e-book/manual Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Skin Care by Joan Morais.