No, you cannot make or properly dilute essential oils using baby oil. In fact, baby oil and other petroleum derivatives should never be used as carrier oils for essential oils.
Why Baby Oil Is Not Suitable for Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that require dilution with a suitable carrier oil before topical application to prevent skin irritation and ensure safe use. However, not all oils are appropriate for this purpose.
As explicitly stated in essential oil guidelines, including those for Young Living essential oil products (general information about carrier oils, reference implies their guidelines), petroleum derivatives such as:
- Mineral oil
- Baby oil
- Petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline)
...should never be used as carrier oils. These substances are typically by-products of petroleum refinement, and while they might feel moisturizing, they do not function as true carrier oils for essential oil absorption and efficacy. Instead, they can:
- Create a barrier on the skin that may hinder the absorption of essential oils.
- Offer no therapeutic benefits themselves, unlike plant-based carrier oils.
- Potentially clog pores.
What Are Carrier Oils?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, typically from the nuts, seeds, or kernels. They are used to dilute potent essential oils for safe topical application, helping to "carry" the essential oil onto the skin. Quality carrier oils also provide their own beneficial properties, such as moisturizing, nourishing, and antioxidant effects.
Safe Alternatives to Baby Oil
When diluting essential oils for topical use, it's crucial to select plant-based, cold-pressed, unrefined carrier oils. These oils integrate well with essential oils, helping them absorb effectively while providing additional benefits to the skin.
Here is a comparison of suitable versus unsuitable options:
| Category | Suitable Carrier Oils | Unsuitable Oils (Avoid for Essential Oils) |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based | Fractionated Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, | Vegetable Shortening, Butter, Margarine |
| Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil | ||
| Petroleum Derivatives | N/A | Mineral Oil, Baby Oil, Petroleum Jelly |
Recommended Carrier Oils:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil: Lightweight, non-greasy, odorless, and highly stable. It remains liquid at room temperature.
- Jojoba Oil: Technically a liquid wax, it closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it excellent for all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil: A popular choice, it's rich in vitamins and easily absorbed, great for most skin types.
- Grapeseed Oil: Light and easily absorbed, it's a good option for those with sensitive or oily skin.
- Argan Oil: Known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, it's a good choice for facial applications.
Best Practices for Diluting Essential Oils
Always follow recommended dilution ratios based on the specific essential oil, the intended use, and the age/health of the individual. You can often find dilution guidelines on the labels of reputable essential oil brands, such as Young Living essential oil bottles, which provide specific dilution instructions.
For general topical use, common dilution rates include:
- 1% dilution: 1 drop of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. Ideal for children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with sensitive skin.
- 2% dilution: 2 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. A common dilution for general adult use.
- 3% dilution: 3 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. Suitable for specific concerns or small areas of the body.
Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying a new essential oil blend more broadly.
