By Dr. Nicole Stevens, Vice President of Clinical Research at doTERRA

---

Creating custom essential oil blends at home represents both an art and a science. The practice combines centuries-old aromatic traditions with modern understanding of chemistry, safety protocols, and beneficial applications. Whether your goal involves crafting personal fragrances, supporting wellness routines, or enhancing your living space, successful blending requires knowledge of proper techniques, safety guidelines, and the fundamental principles that govern how essential oils interact.

Understanding the Foundation of Essential Oil Blending

Essential oil blending extends beyond simply mixing pleasant aromas. Each oil contains dozens to hundreds of volatile compounds that interact in complex ways. A typical essential oil contains multiple distinct compounds, creating opportunities for synergistic effects when combined thoughtfully.

The concept of aromatic notes, developed by French perfumer Septimus Piesse in the 19th century, provides the framework for creating balanced blends. He transposed the idea of musical harmony into the realm of fragrances, where the notes corresponding to each scent formed perfectly balanced chords.

Top Notes: The First Impression

Top notes create the initial aromatic impact of your blend. These oils are usually light, crisp, and invigorating, designed to grab your attention and uplift your environment instantly. However, their small molecular structure means they evaporate quickly, typically lasting only 15-30 minutes or less.

Common top note essential oils include:

• Citrus oils (lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange, bergamot)
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Spearmint
• Lemongrass
• Wintergreen

Middle Notes: The Heart of Your Blend

Middle notes encompass the body of a perfumery blend and are also considered the scent most influential on those who breathe it in. These oils emerge as top notes fade, lasting up to 2-4 hours and providing the blend's core character.

Popular middle note oils include:

• Lavender
• Geranium
• Rosemary
• Clary sage
• Roman chamomile
• Tea tree
• Black Pepper
• Ginger
• Coriander
• Rose
• Clove
• Ylang Ylang

Base Notes: The Lasting Foundation

Base notes are the rich scents that linger the longest in an essential oil blend. Typically, base notes make up between 5% and 20% of a blend. Their heavier molecular structure means they evaporate slowly, providing depth and longevity to your creation.

Key base note oils include:

• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Vetiver
• Frankincense
• Cedarwood
• Benzoin
• Copaiba
• Vanilla

Essential Safety Considerations

Before beginning any blending project, understanding safety protocols proves paramount. Essential oils represent highly concentrated plant extracts requiring careful handling and appropriate dilution.

Dilution Guidelines

Essential oils are strong and should be diluted for safe use, whether you plan to use them on their own (usually in a neutral carrier oil) or as ingredients in a finished product. The standard dilution for most adult applications ranges from 1-3%.

General dilution guidelines are: Adults: Usually, a 2-3% dilution is suitable, about 12-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Children (5-10), Frail Elderly, Sensitive Skin: A lower dilution of 1% or less (6 drops per ounce) is suggested.

For practical application:

• 1% dilution = 6 drops per ounce of carrier oil
• 2% dilution = 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil
• 3% dilution = 18 drops per ounce of carrier oil

Choosing Carrier Oils

The selection of appropriate carrier oils significantly impacts both the beneficial properties and shelf life of your blend. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and "carry" them to your skin. That's because essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.

Popular carrier oil options include:

• Fractionated Coconut Oil: Odorless, colorless, with virtually indefinite shelf life
• Jojoba Oil: Technically a wax that mimics the skin's natural sebum
• Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and easily absorbed, ideal for dry skin
• Argan Oil: Rich in antioxidants, excellent for mature skin
• Grapeseed Oil: Light texture, suitable for all skin types
• Castor Oil: Rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid

Special Safety Considerations

Photosensitivity

Safety guidelines recommend waiting a full 24 hours after using photosensitizing oils before visiting a tanning booth or spending time in direct sunlight. Common photosensitizing oils include:

• Bergamot
• Lemon
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Bitter orange

Pregnancy and Nursing

Always consult healthcare providers before using essential oils during pregnancy or while nursing.

Creating Your First Blend: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Begin by establishing clear intentions for your blend. Consider whether you're creating:

• A relaxing bedtime blend
• An energizing morning combination
• An invigorating environment for study
• A natural perfume
• A soothing massage oil

Step 2: Select Your Notes

A popular blending ratio is 3:5:2, which is 3 parts top note oils, 5 parts middle note oils, and 2 parts base note oils. This creates a well-balanced aromatic profile that evolves over time.

Step 3: Create a Test Batch

Before committing to a full-sized blend:

1. Use perfume testing strips or cotton swabs
2. Add one drop of each selected oil
3. Wave the strips together near your nose and inhale
4. Allow the blend to develop for 30-60 minutes
5. Reassess and adjust as needed

Step 4: Calculate Proper Dilution

A good general rule when seeking to make a 2% dilution using the by-the-drop method is to add 12 drops of essential oil to each fl. ounce (30 ml) of cold-pressed carrier oil. For diffuser use, use undiluted blends.

For a standard 1-ounce blend at 2% dilution:

• Base note oils: 2-3 drops*
• Middle note oils: 5-6 drops
• Top note oils: 3-4 drops
• Carrier oil: 1 ounce (30ml)

*If a single drop of an oil is too strong and overpowers the blend, a smaller amount can be added by dipping a toothpick into the oil and then swirling it into the blend.

Step 5: Document Your Recipe

Successful blending requires meticulous record-keeping. Document:

• Essential oils used and exact drop counts
• Carrier oil type and amount
• Date created
• Purpose and intended use
• Results and observations
• Any modifications made

Advanced Blending Techniques

Synergy and Antagonism

Essential oils can enhance or inhibit each other's properties. Understanding these interactions improves blend effectiveness. For example, lavender and bergamot create calming synergy, while peppermint may overpower delicate floral notes if used excessively. As you’re blending, take good notes about which oils work well together and which clash.

Aging Your Blends

Like fine wine, essential oil blends often improve with age. Your first impression of an essential oil blend is usually an immediate reaction to the top note, but the longer you sniff, the more complexity you'll notice from the middle and base notes. Allow blends to mature for at least 24-48 hours before final assessment.

Specific Considerations

When blending for specific purposes, consider both aromatic appeal and functional properties. For instance, a tension blend might combine:

• Peppermint (cooling)
• Lavender (calming)
• Frankincense (grounding)

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage extends blend longevity and maintains properties:

• Store in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue)
• Keep in cool, dark locations
• Label clearly with ingredients and date
• Use within 6-12 months for optimal potency
• Monitor for changes in aroma, color, or consistency

Common Blending Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-blending: Using too many oils creates muddy, undefined aromas
2. Inadequate dilution: Risking skin irritation or sensitization
3. Ignoring safety guidelines: Failing to research contraindications
4. Poor quality oils: Using synthetic fragrances instead of pure essential oils
5. Improper storage: Exposing blends to heat, light, or air

Sample Starter Recipes

Evening Blend (2% dilution in 1 oz carrier oil)

• 3 drops Lavender (middle note)
• 2 drops Roman chamomile (middle note)
• 2 drops Bergamot (top note)
• 2 drops Sandalwood (base note)

Morning Blend (2% dilution in 1 oz carrier oil)

• 4 drops Sweet Orange (top note)
• 3 drops Rosemary (middle note)
• 2 drops Peppermint (top note)
• 1 drop Frankincense (base note)

Invigorating Blend (2% dilution in 1 oz carrier oil)

• 3 drops Lemon (top note)
• 3 drops Rosemary (middle note)
• 2 drops Peppermint (top note)
• 2 drops Cedarwood (base note)

Quality Considerations

The success of your blends depends significantly on oil quality. Look for:

• Botanical names on labels
• Country of origin information
• Extraction method disclosure
• Batch-specific testing results
• Reputable suppliers with transparency

We GC/MS test every batch of oil we purchase from any distiller or distributor. This testing ensures purity and identifies the precise chemical constituents present.

Final Thoughts

Creating essential oil blends at home offers endless opportunities for creativity, wellness support, and aromatic enjoyment. Success requires understanding fundamental principles, respecting safety guidelines, and developing your aromatic palate through practice. Start simple, document everything, and allow your skills to develop naturally.

Remember that essential oil blending combines scientific knowledge with artistic expression. While guidelines provide structure, your unique preferences and experiences shape the final creation. With patience, practice, and proper precautions, you can craft beautiful, effective blends tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Whether pursuing aromatherapy for wellness routines, creating natural perfumes, or simply enjoying beautiful aromas in your living space, the journey of essential oil blending offers continuous learning and discovery. Embrace the process, prioritize safety, and enjoy exploring the remarkable world of aromatic synergy.

---

About Dr. Nicole Stevens Dr. Nicole Stevens serves as Vice President of Clinical Research at doTERRA, where she leads scientific investigations into essential oil properties and applications. With over 25 years of experience in essential oil research, Dr. Stevens has worked in quality control laboratories in the nutraceutical industry and academic research laboratories at the University of Utah and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Cancer Research Institute. Dr. Stevens earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in technical writing and a Master of Science in botany—both from Brigham Young University—and a second Master of Science in public health from Purdue University. She completed her doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, investigating essential oil metabolomics and mechanisms of action.