A Basic Guide to Using Essential Oils Topically

We love using essential oils topically. It’s one of the easiest ways to use essential oils, and it’s time-tested! Using essential oils on the skin can be just as easy as applying your regular body lotion, but it’s important to first understand how to make application both safe and effective. That’s exactly why we’re here—to empower you with the knowledge you need to use essential oils with confidence!

Before using any essential oil or blend on your skin, make sure to follow these basic guidelines to get the results you're looking for!

Determine if the essential oil needs to be diluted

All doTERRA essential oils and essential oil blends are classified into three main dilution and skin-sensitivity categories: Neat, Sensitive, or Dilute.

• Neat means that no dilution is necessary.
• Sensitive means the essential oil should be diluted for sensitive skin types (including children).
• Dilute means an oil must be diluted before use.

We often call essential oils in the Dilute category “hot oils.” Always dilute hot essential oils and be aware of other ways to use them other than on the skin.

Remember that diluting an essential oil does not make it less effective! In fact, dilution can help distribute the essential oil more evenly and promote its efficacy. Even Neat oils can be diluted to your comfort level, and especially if you are using an oil for the first time, dilute it. Our rule of thumb? When in doubt, dilute. See more about different carrier oils and dilution rates here.

Only apply the essential oil to safe areas

Don’t use essential oils in sensitive areas, like near the eyes or in the ears. However, there are many places essential oils can be used safely, depending on the essential oil:

1. Face
2. Forehead, neck, and temples
3. Roof of the mouth
4. Base of the skull
5. Abdomen
6. Chest
7. Soles of the feet

Always read the label

Every essential oil is different, so it’s critical to follow the safety guidelines on each essential oil label. Some essential oils like Blue Tansy oil might stain, and citrus essential oils like Bergamot oil or Grapefruit oil can cause photosensitivity. Knowing how your essential oils interact with sunlight, the skin, and your home is important as you determine when and how to use them. This is why we strongly advise you to not only read the label of each essential oil, but to also review their product shop pages and blog spotlight pages to become an expert. When it comes to essential oils, knowledge really is power! 

Know what to do in case of a reaction

Having a reaction to essential oils is rare, especially when you follow the safety guidelines found here and on each individual oil label, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.

Key signs to look for in the event of a reaction are irritation and tenderness of the skin. Whenever you are trying a new essential oil, always perform a patch test by applying one drop of essential oil diluted in five to ten drops of Fractionated Coconut Oil to a small piece of skin on your forearm. Observe that area of the skin for one hour for any reaction. Keep Fractionated Coconut Oil on hand to reduce the effects of the essential oil if a reaction does occur.

Remember that we are here to help

We have full confidence in your abilities to use essential oils in your household safely, but we have your back if you ever have questions. Just call our Canada Member Services team (800-411-8151) or chat with them online here—they can answer your questions or help you get on the right track!