Questions we hear a lot are:
Are essential oils safe for babies?
Which oils are best for kids?
Which oils should I avoid?
What dilution should I use with kids?
Find the answers to all of these question in our chart below.
(Please note: this is not an exhaustive list, so always check with your healthcare provider beforehand.)
Essential Oil Dilution Chart by Age
Age | Use | Dilution | Good choices | Avoid |
Newborn to 6 months old | Use oils very sparingly (if at all) and only for short-term relief | 1 drop of essential oil per 4 tsps. of carrier oil | Very gentle oils like Lavender, Orange, Ginger, Cedarwood, etc. | Hot and potent oils like Oregano, Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, Rosemary, etc. |
6 months to 2 years | Use oils sparingly and only for short-term relief. | 1 drop of essential oil per 3 tsps. of carrier oil | Very gentle oils like Lavender, Orange, Ginger, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lemon, etc. | Hot and potent oils like Oregano, Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, Rosemary, etc. |
2 years – 4 years | Use oils as needed. Rotate oils frequently to prevent sensitivities. | 1 drop essential oil per 2 tsps. carrier oil | Gentle oils like Lavender, Citrus oils (avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours), Tea Tree, Pine, Cedarwood, Blue Tansy, etc. | Hot and potent oils like Oregano, Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, Rosemary, etc. |
4-6 years old | Use oils as needed. Rotate oils frequently to avoid sensitivities. | 1 drop per 1 ½ tsps. of carrier oil | Great oils include Marjoram, Frankincense, Lemon, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Ginger, Lime, etc. | Hot and potent oils like Oregano, Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark, Peppermint, Rosemary, etc. |
6-12 years | Use oils as needed | 1 drop per 1 teaspoon carrier oil | Great oils include Vetiver, Marjoram, Frankincense, Lemon, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Ginger, Lime, Vetiver, etc. | Be very cautious with stronger oils. |
Adults | Use oils as needed | 2 drops per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil | Most essential oils are fine as long as diluted properly. | Use caution with stronger oils. |
If this chart is difficult to read from your phone or device, click here for a PDF version of the chart.