Question 1

How much essential oil should I add to a cream or shampoo?

Accepted Answer

Go by the product type: facial cosmetics 0.1–1.5%, body lotions max. 1.5%, massage oils 1.5–3%, shampoos, shower gels and bath cosmetics 1–4%. Rinse-off products tolerate more because they do not stay on the skin for long; for sensitive skin, stay near the lower limit.

Question 2

What is the difference between an essential oil and a fragrance oil?

Accepted Answer

An essential oil is a pure plant extract – obtained by steam distillation, or by cold-pressing the peel in the case of citrus. A fragrance oil is a scent composition of natural and synthetic substances – it tends to be cheaper and can mimic scents that cannot be obtained from plants, such as fruit or foods.

Question 3

Can I apply an essential oil directly to the skin?

Accepted Answer

No. Essential oils are concentrated extracts and are applied to the skin only diluted in a carrier oil (such as almond or apricot), in a cream or in other cosmetics. Undiluted oil can cause irritation, and in more sensitive people even an allergic reaction.

Question 4

Why weigh essential oils instead of counting drops?

Accepted Answer

Every oil has a different density, so a drop of one oil weighs differently from a drop of another, and the same number of drops does not give the same amount. Weighing the required grams on scales is the only way to achieve the same product properties in repeated production.

Question 5

How should essential oils be stored, and how do I recognise a spoiled oil?

Accepted Answer

Keep them tightly closed in dark glass bottles, in a cool place away from light; plastic and unprotected metal containers are unsuitable. You will recognise spoilage by yellowing caused by oxidation and by the loss of the original colour and scent – do not use such an oil any more.

ESSENTIAL OILS