Essential Oils: How They're Made, How to Use Them, and Safety Today

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained by steam distillation, cold expression, solvent extraction (absolutes), or supercritical CO2. Use them diluted for diffusion, baths, or topical application; common dilution guidelines are 1-3% for adults and about 6 drops per ounce (1%) for massage. "Therapeutic grade" is a marketing term without universal regulation. Avoid eye contact, phototoxic citrus on skin before sun exposure, ingestion of most oils, and consult a healthcare professional for pregnancy, infants, or serious health concerns.

What essential oils are

Essential oils are concentrated, volatile aromatic compounds extracted from plants. They come from bark, flowers, fruit peels, leaves, roots, seeds and wood. Because they contain the plant's scent and many of its chemical constituents, only small amounts are needed for fragrance or topical use.

Common extraction methods

Steam distillation

Steam distillation remains the most widely used method. Steam passes through plant material, carries volatile compounds, then cools and condenses. The oil separates from the water and is collected.

Cold expression (pressing)

Expression, or cold pressing, squeezes oils from the rinds of citrus fruits. It's the standard method for lemon, orange, bergamot and other citrus oils.

Solvent extraction and absolutes

Some delicate flowers (like jasmine) are processed with solvents to produce absolutes. Solvent extraction leaves residues and yields a different product than a steam-distilled essential oil.

Supercritical CO2 extraction

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction uses pressurized CO2 as a solvent. CO2 extracts often retain fragrance notes that steam distillation can miss and are sold as CO2 extracts rather than typical essential oils.

"Therapeutic grade" and quality

The label "therapeutic grade" is a marketing term without universal regulation. Look for information on botanical name, country of origin, extraction method, and batch testing (GC/MS) from reputable suppliers if you need chemical profiles for clinical or research use.

How to use essential oils at home

Diffusion

Use a diffuser intermittently - typical sessions run 15-60 minutes with breaks. Effects depend on the oil, the room size, and individual sensitivity.

Baths

Never add undiluted oil directly to bathwater. First dissolve 3-6 drops in a dispersant (milk, full-fat bath oil, or a carrier oil) before adding to the tub. Use less for children and sensitive people.

Topical and massage use

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, fractionated coconut oil). A general guideline for adults is 1-3% concentration for short-term topical use; 1% equals about 6 drops per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil. Reduce concentrations for facial skin, children and older adults.

Safety essentials

Avoid getting oils in the eyes or on mucous membranes. If contact occurs, blot with vegetable oil (olive or other carrier), then wash gently with soap and water. Some oils are phototoxic (eg, certain cold-pressed citrus) and can increase sun sensitivity. Many essential oils are not safe to ingest; some are toxic. Pregnant or breastfeeding people, young infants, and people with serious medical conditions should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Final note

Essential oils offer aromatic and topical applications when used carefully. Prioritize quality information from reliable suppliers, follow safe dilution practices, and check with professionals for medical concerns.