"Pure essential oils in Australia"
It's one of the most searched wellness phrases in the country and for good reason. Most people come to essential oils, curious but not very sure where to begin. There's a bottle of lavender on the shelf. The instructions say very little. And the internet? Well, it says everything and nothing at once.
This guide cuts through that noise. No fluff or vague advice. Only clear and practical information on how to use natural essential oils available online without causing harm to yourself, your children or your pets.
Why Dilution Is Non-Negotiable
Pure and natural essential oils are not like other online wellness products in Australia. A single drop of peppermint oil is way more concentrated than the plant it came from. That potency is what makes it effective. But that same potency is what makes applying it neat (undiluted) to skin a poor idea.
Undiluted application can cause skin irritation or chemical burns. It can also lead to sensitisation, which is a permanent immune response that makes you reactive to that oil for life. Photosensitivity is another concern, especially with citrus oils like bergamot and lemon.
The fix is a carrier oil. Jojoba, sweet almond and fractionated coconut oil are common choices. They dilute the essential oil. Slow its absorption into the skin. Maintain the skin barrier in the process.
What are the Dilution ratios for Essential Oils
|
User |
Dilution |
Drops per 10ml carrier oil |
|
For most healthy adults |
2–3% |
4–6 drops |
|
Elderly or sensitive skin |
1% |
2 drops |
|
Children (2–12 years) |
0.5–1% |
1–2 drops |
|
Infants (3–24 months) |
0.25% |
1 drop per 15ml |
|
Pregnancy |
1% (select oils only) |
2 drops |
For a deeper look at ratios and step-by-step blending, this guide on safely diluting essential oils for topical use covers it thoroughly.
How to Do a Patch Test
Before trying a new oil, a patch test is one of the easiest precautions you can take. Oddly enough, it is also the step many people miss.
This is all it takes
- Dilute the oil at 2% in your chosen carrier oil
- Place a small amount on the inside of your forearm or just behind your ear
- Then leave the area alone for a full day
- Pay attention to any redness, itching, swelling or even a mild feeling that seems unusual
If something does not look or feel right, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.
No reaction after 24 hours? The oil is likely safe for your skin type.
3 Ways to Use Pure Essential Oils in Australia and the Risks of Each
1. Topical Application
This is applying a diluted oil directly to the skin, on pulse points, the chest, the soles of the feet or as a massage blend. Topical use is one of the most common applications of pure essential oils in Australia. It works well for localised needs.
A few things worth being careful about
- Oils should stay well away from the eyes, ears and other sensitive areas
- Wash hands thoroughly after blending
- If citrus oils are applied before heading outdoors, skin reactions linked to sunlight can sometimes appear many hours later
Oils like clove and cinnamon bark fall into what practitioners call "hot" oils. They need a higher dilution even for adults.
2. Inhalation and Diffusion
Diffusing natural essential oils you get online through an ultrasonic diffuser disperses a rather fine mist that spreads across the room. For everyday use, this is mostly the approach people find easiest to fit into their routine.
Some guidelines to follow
- A room with good airflow is always the better choice
- Run the diffuser for a while, then switch it off and give the room time to settle
- Continuous diffusion throughout the day is more than the body needs
- Three to five drops in a standard 100ml diffuser is sufficient
Direct inhalation from the bottle is fine occasionally. A few slow breaths from roughly 10cm away works well. It is notably more potent than diffusing, so brief is better.
3. Internal Use
This is where the line sits firmly. In Australia, most pure and natural essential oils sold online are not classified as food grade products. Unless specifically labelled as such. Anyone thinking about internal use should get proper advice before attempting it. Certain oils can become harmful surprisingly quickly when taken by mouth.
What Type of Essential Oils Require Extra Care
Not all natural essential oils online carry the same risk profile. Some need considerably more caution than others.
High-risk oils to approach in a careful way
Eucalyptus
This oil contains cineole, which can be problematic for very young children. Keep away from infants under 2 years.
Peppermint
Avoid on or near the face of children under 6.
Clove, cinnamon, oregano
These are oils that call for extra care and much lower concentrations.
Wintergreen
Methyl salicylate is present in this oil and even small amounts can create risks for children.
Bergamot and other citrus oils
Phototoxic when applied before sun exposure.
For a full picture of how each oil is rated for safety, this blog on understanding essential oil toxicity ratings is a good read.
How to Use Essential Oils Around Children
Children absorb substances differently, partly because their skin is thinner than an adult's. The systems that break down and process compounds are still developing. An oil that feels completely manageable for an adult can be too much for a young child. In some cases harmful for small children. 
General rules for using oils around kids
- Diffuse at a lower concentration in children's rooms, one to two drops at most
- Never apply neat oil to a child's skin
- All bottles should be kept somewhere children cannot easily access
- It is best not to run a diffuser in a closed room with a baby present
- When in doubt, begin with oils that have a longer history of child appropriate use
Lavender, frankincense, Roman chamomile and mandarin. These are common natural essential oils available online to start with.
If you are a parent new to natural essential oils, the complete guide on using essential oils with children and pets is worth reading before you start.
Amrita Court Global's Kid's Blends range is formulated specifically for children aged 12 and under, with age-appropriate concentrations already taken care of. A solid option if blending from scratch feels like too much at the start.
Storage and Shelf Life
Oils change over time, and older oxidised oils are often more irritating on the skin. Many people underestimate just how much storage conditions matter.
How to Store Oils Correctly
- Dark glass bottles are non negotiable. Most people prefer amber or cobalt glass for a reason.
- A cool cupboard away from sunlight is often all that is needed.
- Lids need to stay tightly closed. Oxygen degrades oils over time.
- Citrus oils usually have a shorter life and are often best used within a couple of years.
- Sandalwood and patchouli are known for lasting considerably longer.
If the scent no longer resembles what you remember from the first opening, the oil may have aged more than expected. Oxidised oils should not be used on skin.
A Quick Reference Safety Checklist
Before you use any type of pure essential oils in Australia, run through this:
- Have I diluted this oil in a carrier oil?
- Have I done a patch test with this oil before?
- Is this oil safe for the people and pets in my household?
- Am I about to go outdoors after applying a citrus oil?
- Is the bottle stored away from children and direct sunlight?
- Have I checked the age-appropriateness of this oil for any children nearby?
Get Started with Confidence
The learning curve for using pure essential oils in Australia isn't steep once you have the basics down. Dilute properly. Patch test first. Choose your application method thoughtfully. And most importantly, pay attention to which oils need extra care around children.
Amrita Court Global offers a range of natural essential oils online, including single oils, everyday adult blends and purpose-built kids' formulations. Our products are sourced and presented with this kind of transparency in mind. A good place to start. More, if you are new to oils or buying for your family.