How to Dilute Oregano Essential Oil for Safe Use

April 17, 2025

It is impossible for any skincare enthusiast, soap maker or aromatherapy lover to not have heard of oregano essential oil. Its herbal and antibacterial properties make oregano oil a crowd favorite and mark its presence in every aromatherapy or crafter’s cabinet. While oregano essential oil is fairly easy to work with, there is one important step that often goes unnoticed - dilution.

That is why we have put together our simple, all-in-one guide on how to dilute oregano essential oil for safe use. Read on and find out how to use oregano oil safely and effectively.

Understanding Dilution: Why It’s Important

Let’s start with the basics - why do you need to dilute oregano essential oil?
For this, let’s go back to how the oregano essential oil is made. When the leaves and shoots of the plant are air-dried, the oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation. This oil is highly concentrated and potent in nature.

In this form, it is what you call a ‘hot’ oil. Which means, it will burn and irritate your skin on direct application.

This is where dilution comes in. Acting as a safety net, diluting essential oil with a carrier oil ensures that they become safe for use. Dilution not only reduces the chances of skin irritation but it also allows for a more even and gradual absorption by the skin.

If you’re new to using essential oils for skin care or aromatherapy ; always remember dilution is a must and without it, essential oils can cause allergic reactions.

Furthermore, different animals can be sensitive to different essential oils, so always ensure to check for any pet allergies. Learn here if you can use oregano oil for dogs before you diffuse it around your furry friends.

This brings us to the next major question, what is the right carrier oil for oregano essential oil dilution.

Choosing the Right Carrier Oils for Dilution

You would essentially want to choose a carrier oil that is not only high in quality but also adds to the benefits of essential oil . Here’s our compilation of oregano oil carrier oils -

Coconut Oil- Extracted from cold-pressed white meat of coconuts, it is one of the most commonly used products in beauty and wellness treatments. Composed of essential saturated fats like MCTs, it can boost the antifungal and antibacterial properties when used with oregano essential. Nourishing in nature, it is often used for dry and flaky skin and hair. Avoid coconut oil if you wish to use oregano oil for colds or related infections.

Jojoba Oil- Lightweight and honey hued, it's a godsend for oily and acne prone skin. Rich in vitamin E, zinc and copper, it helps regulate natural oil production without clogging the pores. You can enjoy the benefits of oregano essential oil and jojoba oil in the form of a face mask. Jojoba oil is an excellent choice for those seeking to use oregano essential oil for hair growth or related concerns.

Olive Oil- Packed with the goodness of Vitamin E and polyphenols, olive oil is best suited for dry and aging skin. It not only provides deep hydration, but also restores skin elasticity and natural barriers of the skin. It is the most commonly used ingredient of DIY body care recipes.

Sweet Almond Oil- Ideal for sensitive, dry or inflamed skin it helps with cell turnover thereby, improving the skin tone. Quick in absorption and non-greasy in nature , it is a popular choice for facial oils and massage blends. It feels very mild and soothing on the skin.

Argan Oil- Considered the ‘liquid gold’ of skin and hair care , it is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid . Whether you’re suffering from dry skin or dandruff, argan oil is the solution for all.

Recommended Dilution Ratios for Different Uses

Now that we have a list of carrier oils , let's look at the proper dilution ratios for oregano essential oil-

For Topical Application

If you’re looking to reap the benefits of oregano essential oil for skincare,

dilute one drop of essential oil per 5 milliliters of carrier oil. After mixing, apply the blend directly to the affected area. Dedicated use may help achieve a clear, and glowing skin.

For Internal Use

Internal use of any essential oil should always be done under the supervision and on the recommendation of a healthcare professional. Essential oils are highly concentrated and its improper use can prove to be fatal.

For ingestion, carefully mix 1 drop of oregano food grade oil with a spoonful of vegetable oil or olive oil. Use this to flavor oils or prepare salads.

Pro Tip- You can also use food grade oleoresins for flavoring purpose as they are specifically designed for food flavoring.

For Aromatherapy and Diffusion

Oregano essential is renowned for its versatile uses, but its power truly shines when used for aromatherapy or through diffusion. Here, it matters less what carrier oils you’re using, but how many drops of essential oil you’re adding.

For a diffuser, use 3-5 drops of oregano essential oil per 100 ml of water. You can also add lavender essential oil, rosemary oil, or thyme essential oil to enhance the aroma.
If you’re looking to add oregano oil to your bath water, mix 5-7 drops of it with lukewarm water. A good soak might help loosen those sore and pained muscles. Oregano oil will also help keep germs away.
Using oregano essential oil for soap making or candle-making can give terrific results - especially when combined with other ingredients like lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil. Craft antibacterial soaps using these combinations and win your customers hearts.

Intense and therapeutic, it will help relax your mind when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diluting Oregano Essential Oil

Now, it is actually the time to perform the safe dilution of oregano essential oil . Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the best results.

You will need - oregano essential oil, jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil), measuring cup, dropper, glass bottle

Step 1- First things first, choose your carrier oil

Step 2 - Figure out the dilution ratio according to the use . (Refer to the aforementioned guide of dilution ratios)

Step 3- In a glass bottle, add the carrier oil first, then using a dropper add the correct number of oregano oil drops.

Step 4- Shake gently to combine

Step 5- Do a patch test before use.

Bonus: Learn How to Make DIY Cleaning Sprays with Oregano Essential Oil

Precautions & Safety Tips

While oregano essential oil offers a variety of benefits, its pure and highly concentrated nature calls for proper dilution before use. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skincare expert, safety always comes first. Here are some of the safety tips and precautions to keep in mind.

According to the general dilution guidelines, the typical dilution ratio is 1-2 drops of oregano essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Perform a patch test before widespread use to know about any potential allergic reactions .
Keep oregano oil away from eyes, ears, and other sensitive areas.
Consult a medic before use.
Keep away from children and pets.

Conclusion

From your doubts on what dilution is to how to dilute oregano oil we’ve hoped to have answered every single one of your questions. Now armed with knowledge, you can choose a carrier oil without a second thought . Go ahead and grab that oregano essential oils in bulk to try and see its antibacterial benefits yourself . Just remember the golden rule-always dilute!