Using Essential Oils in a Steam Diffuser

Asked by: jeneneye On: November 28, 2021 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

How should essential oils be used in a steam or mist diffuser: directly or diluted with a base, and what base is needed?

Answer

Using Essential Oils in a Steam Diffuser

When using essential oils in a steam or mist diffuser (like an ultrasonic diffuser), it is generally recommended to dilute the essential oil with water.

  • Why dilute? Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. Using them undiluted can potentially damage the diffuser mechanism over time and can also result in an overwhelming scent that might be irritating.
  • What base to use? For steam/mist diffusers, water is the base. You add water to the diffuser reservoir and then add a few drops of essential oil to the water. The exact number of drops depends on the size of the diffuser, the strength of the essential oil, and your personal preference, but usually starts with 3-5 drops per 100ml of water.
  • Direct use? Using pure essential oil directly without water is typically not suitable for steam/mist diffusers designed for water. Some diffusers (like nebulizing diffusers) are designed for pure essential oil, but steam/mist diffusers require water.

Fragrance oils can also be used in diffusers and are sometimes formulated specifically for this purpose. Always check the instructions for your specific diffuser model.