3–5drops
How many drops per 100 ml of water (diffuser)?
In an ultrasonic diffuser with around 100 ml of water, 3–5 drops are enough for a room. Better to start with a few and increase only if needed.
The Art of Dosage | How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Dosage
How Many Drops of Essential Oil? The Dosage Guide
Essential oils are not simple fragrances but highly concentrated plant power: a single drop of rose oil holds the essence of 30 blossoms. Here is how many drops to use, how to dilute and how to apply safely.
In short: on the skin use 2–3 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil (1 drop for the face); in the diffuser 3–5 drops per 100 ml of water; in the bath never neat drops – first emulsify with a spoon of carrier oil, cream or honey. Golden rule: always dilute.
The Two Most Common Questions
2–3drops
How many drops per 10 ml of carrier oil (skin)?
For the body: 2–3 drops per 10 ml (dilution ~1–1.5%). For the face, gentler: 1 drop per 10 ml.
The Dosage at a Glance
Drop Calculator
Choose the mode, enter the millilitres – we tell you how many drops you need.
2drops
Guideline: about 20 drops = 1 ml of essential oil. For the face and sensitive skin, choose the lower values.
The Golden Rule: Dilute
Essential oils are lipophilic (fat-loving): they do not dissolve in water, but perfectly in fatty oils. On the skin you almost never apply them neat – you always need a carrier oil (almond, jojoba, coconut) that acts as a «taxi», gently transporting the active compounds into the skin. In the bath you need an emulsifier, because oil floats on water: a splash of cream, honey or bath salt.
The Right Carrier Oils
These two organic carrier oils are the most versatile for diluting your essential oils:
Dilution Chart: The Dosage at a Glance
| Application | Base | Drops |
|---|---|---|
| Face oil (0.5–1%) | 10 ml carrier oil | 1–2 drops |
| Body & massage oil (2–3%) | 10 ml carrier oil | 4–6 drops |
| Diffuser | 100 ml water | 3–5 drops |
| Room spray | 100 ml water + 1 tsp alcohol | 10–20 drops |
| Full bath | emulsifier (cream, honey, salt) | 5–8 drops |
| Sauna infusion | ladle of water | 5–10 drops |
Rule of thumb: 1% dilution = 2 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil. Shake room sprays well before each use, as oil and water do not bond permanently.
Gentle vs. Intense Oils
Not all oils are the same.
The Gentle Ones
Chamomile, rose, lavender and tea tree are mostly very mild. Lavender and tea tree are the only exceptions that can be dabbed neat on small spots (e.g. an insect bite).
The Fiery Ones
Cinnamon, oregano, thyme or clove are skin irritants: powerful, but must always be heavily diluted.
Storage
Viworo oils come in brown glass because UV light alters the molecules. Keep them cool and away from direct sunlight; citrus oils within 12–18 months. Details in the safety guidelines.
A Word on Safety
- Pregnancy & children: special rules apply. Some oils (camphor, rosemary, peppermint) are unsuitable for young children. When in doubt, ask your doctor or midwife.
- Allergies: do a patch test with new oils (one drop diluted in the crook of the arm, wait 24 h).
- In the sauna: never neat oil on the hot stones – risk of flames.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dosage
How many drops of essential oil per 100 ml of water?
In an ultrasonic diffuser, 3–5 drops per 100 ml of water are enough for a room. For a room spray (with a little alcohol as emulsifier) you can use 10–20 drops per 100 ml.
How many drops per 10 ml of carrier oil?
For the body 2–3 drops per 10 ml (about 1–1.5%), for the face 1 drop. Rule of thumb: 1% = 2 drops per 10 ml.
10 ml of essential oil – how many drops is that?
About 200 drops: one millilitre is roughly 20 drops, so 10 ml ≈ 200 drops. The value varies a little with viscosity and the dropper.
How do you dilute essential oil in water?
Essential oils do not dissolve in water. For the bath you need an emulsifier (cream, honey, salt); for a spray a little alcohol. In the diffuser, the water only serves to atomise – a few drops are enough.
What is a carrier oil?
A fatty vegetable oil (sweet almond, jojoba, coconut) that dilutes the essential oil and gently carries it into the skin. Without a carrier oil, essential oils are too concentrated for skin use.
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The five classics plus a sixth oil in one organic set: easy dosing and a scent for every moment.