How to use essential oils
Three basic ways to use them, and practical notes that will help you get the most from the oils from the very first drops.
01Aromatically — in a diffuser
The simplest and safest way to get to know an oil. Add a few drops to a diffuser with water and the aroma will gradually fill the room.
- —Start with 3–5 drops in a standard diffuser.
- —Air the room after longer use.
02On the skin — with a carrier oil
Dilute with a neutral carrier oil — fractionated coconut oil, for example — before applying it to the skin.
- —Patch-test on a small area of skin before the first use.
- —Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
03In the kitchen
Add literally drop by drop to food and drinks — this is far more concentrated than fresh herbs or citrus zest.
- —Start with a toothpick dipped in the oil rather than a full drop.
- —Never add the oil straight into hot food in a pan.
The marks in the catalogue
Every product card carries marks showing the recommended ways to use that particular oil or blend.
DiffuserOn the skinCooking
Activity
Energy
Relaxation
Focus
Cold season
Around the home
Body care
For children
Digestive comfortBefore you order your first oil
The eight questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, simply write to us and we will answer personally.
Can an essential oil be applied straight onto the skin?
Usually not undiluted. The oils are concentrated plant extracts — the standard approach is to dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, fractionated coconut oil for example. Before the first use it is worth patch-testing on a small area of skin.
How many drops should go into a diffuser?
Most often 3–6 drops per standard water tank — the amount depends on the size of the room and your own preference. It is better to start with fewer drops and add more than to overdo the intensity straight away.
How should oils be stored, and how long do they keep?
In tightly closed dark bottles, away from sunlight and sources of heat. The best-before date and the batch number are on the packaging — citrus oils usually keep for less time than woody or resinous ones.
What is the difference between a single oil and a blend?
A single oil comes from one plant — a pure material with its own distinctive aroma. A blend is several oils combined in considered proportions with a particular mood or use in mind, an evening wind-down or freshness around the home, for example.
Can the oils be used with children?
Some products are made with children in mind and are marked as such in the catalogue, usually as ready-made roll-ons at a lower concentration. Even so, before using them with a child — and likewise during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition — you should consult a doctor.
What does CPTG stand for?
CPTG (Certified Pure Tested Grade) is the internal doTERRA quality-control standard. Every batch is tested in independent laboratories for purity and contaminants, and the results for a given batch can be looked up using the code on the packaging.
Where does the wholesale price on products come from?
The wholesale price applies to registered doTERRA Wellness Partners and is 25% lower than retail. If you plan to buy regularly, write to us — we will explain what registration involves and whether it is worth it in your case at all.
How do I place an order, and when will the parcel arrive?
You place an order through the site, by e-mail, by phone or through Messenger — we usually confirm it the same or the next working day. Dispatch follows confirmation, and courier or parcel-locker delivery normally takes 1–2 working days.
Important safety information
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Keep them out of the reach of children, avoid contact with the eyes, and consult a doctor before use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you have a chronic condition. This information is general and does not constitute medical advice.