How to Make Rubbing Oil

A simple rubbing oil can be made by combining carrier oils with essential oils. This guide details a basic recipe and application.

Ingredients & Supplies:

Carrier Oils: Choose one or a blend. Popular options include jojoba oil and grapeseed oil (as per reference 1). Other options include olive oil (mentioned in reference 8) and food-grade mineral oil (reference 10). The carrier oil dilutes the essential oils and helps them absorb into the skin.
Essential Oils: Select your preferred scents. Lavender and eucalyptus are examples (reference 1), offering potential soothing and aromatic benefits. Many other options exist, but always research safety before use, especially for sensitive skin or children.
Bottle: A small, dark-colored bottle with a tight-fitting lid is ideal to store your rubbing oil and protect the oils from light.

Measure Carrier Oils: Begin by measuring your chosen carrier oils into your bottle (reference 1). The ratio of carrier oil to essential oil will depend on your preference and the intended use. A good starting point is a higher ratio of carrier oil (e.g., 90% carrier oil, 10% essential oil).
Add Essential Oils: Add your selected essential oils to the bottle (reference 1). Again, start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Blend Thoroughly: Secure the lid tightly and shake well until all ingredients are completely mixed (reference 1).
Application: Dispense a small amount of the mixture into your palm and gently rub it onto the targeted areas (reference 1). A warm compress or heating pad can enhance absorption if desired (reference 1).

Essential Oil Safety: Always perform a patch test before applying any essential oil blend to a large area of skin. This helps detect potential allergic reactions. Never use undiluted essential oils directly on the skin. Research specific essential oil properties and their appropriate dilutions. (Reference 7 mentions essential oil safety for children.)
Carrier Oil Selection: Different carrier oils have varying properties. Jojoba oil is similar to human sebum, making it suitable for most skin types. Grapeseed oil is lightweight and easily absorbed. Olive oil is heavier and more moisturizing.
Scent Masking: While essential oils can add fragrance to a base, completely masking the smell of other ingredients like rubbing alcohol (mentioned in reference 4) might be challenging. References 4 and 9 discuss using alcohol in other applications, highlighting its faster evaporation rate.