Want the perfect aroma without overpowering the room or wasting your oil?

To dilute essential oils for diffusers, mix 3–8 drops of essential oil with water (usually 100ml) in an ultrasonic diffuser. For reed or passive diffusers, combine oils with a base like carrier oil or alcohol.

Understanding how to dilute essential oils properly is key to creating a safe, effective, and long-lasting aromatic experience—whether you're formulating for a wellness brand, selling home fragrance kits, or just scenting your office naturally. Let's explore dilution ratios, mixing bases, and the logic behind the beloved 30/50/20 rule.

What is the 30 50 20 rule for essential oils?

Great scent isn’t luck—it’s structure.

The 30/50/20 rule refers to essential oil blending: 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes to achieve a balanced and layered aroma in diffusers.

Dive Deeper: How to Structure a Harmonious Blend

Note Type	Function	Common Oils	Blend Percentage
Top Note	Initial scent burst	Lemon, peppermint, bergamot	30%
Middle Note	Emotional balance	Lavender, ylang ylang, geranium	50%
Base Note	Lasting depth	Frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli	20%

This rule helps diffuser blends evolve over time. For instance, in a100ml diffuser, you might use:

• 2 drops lemon (top)

• 3 drops lavender (middle)

• 1 drop sandalwood (base)

AtPauPack, we help aromatherapy brands apply this method to develop signature scent formulas, and we package them in color-coded dropper bottles for easy identification and use.

What is the ratio of essential oils to water in a diffuser?

More isn’t better—especially in enclosed spaces.

The standard ratio is 3–8 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water in an ultrasonic diffuser, depending on room size, oil strength, and personal sensitivity.

Dive Deeper: Adjusting for Room Size & Purpose

Room Size	Water Volume	EO Drops	Use Case
Small Room (100 sqft)	100ml	3–5	Bedroom, office
Medium Room (200–300 sqft)	200ml	5–8	Living room, kitchen
Large Room (400+ sqft)	300–500ml	8–12	Open-plan areas, events

Strong oils like peppermint or cinnamon require less.For gentle blends or child-safe spaces, use fewer drops.

PauPack offerscustom essential oil kitsbundled with diffuser instruction cards and measured droppers, making it easy for users to follow the right ratios every time.

What dilution rates are suitable for different age groups?

Safe doesn’t mean same for everyone—adjust for age and skin sensitivity.

For adults and teenagers over 15, a dilution of up to 10% essential oil in a carrier oil can be used for local, targeted applications like spot treatments or massage blends. However, this concentration is rarely necessary for everyday use. Most general topical blends for adults do best at a 2–5% dilution to minimize the risk of irritation.

For children and the elderly, stick to a gentler approach. A 1% dilution—about 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil—is ideal, as their skin is more delicate and prone to sensitivity. For babies and infants, it’s best to consult with a certified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before use, and choose only oils recognized as safe for young ages (like lavender or chamomile).

In summary:

• Adults/Teens (15+):2–5% daily, up to 10% only for small, short-term purposes
• Children/Elderly:1% or less, always use child-safe or elderly-safe essential oils

Always perform a patch test before widespread use, and adjust your dilution based on individual skin responses. For professional, ready-to-use blends, brands likePlant TherapyandEdens Gardenoffer kid-safe lines to simplify safe formulation.

What do you mix with essential oils to make a diffuser?

Water alone doesn’t work in every case.

To make a reed diffuser or room spray, mix essential oils with a base like carrier oil (for reed diffusers) or alcohol (for sprays), not just water. For ultrasonic diffusers, use water only.

Dive Deeper: Choose the Right Base for Your Diffuser Type

Diffuser Type	Mixing Base	Ideal Additions
Ultrasonic	Water	3–8 drops EO
Reed	Carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut, sweet almond)	20–30% EO max
Nebulizer	Pure essential oil (no dilution)	No mixing base needed
Room Spray	Alcohol (vodka, witch hazel)	Water + 10–15 drops EO

Forreeds, a good starting mix is:

• 70% carrier oil

• 30% essential oil blend

• Optional: 5% alcohol for better wicking

At PauPack, we providereusable glass diffuser bottles and ready-to-fill kits, along with custom labels that include ingredient breakdowns and safety icons for user clarity.

What is the ratio of essential oils to carrier oils for diffusers?

Reed diffusers rely on oil-based blending—not water.

The typical ratio for essential oils to carrier oils in a reed diffuser is 30% EO to 70% carrier oil, though some brands use as little as 20% depending on scent strength.

Dive Deeper: Carrier Oils for Reed Diffusers

Carrier Oil	Properties	Recommended Use
Fractionated Coconut	Light, odorless, clear	Ideal for subtle scent delivery
Sweet Almond	Richer, slightly nutty aroma	Stronger scent lift
Safflower Oil	Neutral, thin viscosity	Helps with reed absorption
Dipropylene Glycol (DPG)	Popular commercial base	Common in fragrance industry

Here’s an example formulation for a120ml reed diffuser:

• 84ml carrier oil

• 36ml essential oil blend (using 30/50/20 ratio)

• Optional: 5ml vodka to thin viscosity

PauPack specializes indiffuser kit packagingwith refillable glass bottles, wooden caps, and pre-cut rattan reeds. We also offer bulk essential oil blends designed for oil-based applications.

---

Conclusion

To dilute essential oils for diffusers, use the right ratio of oil to water or carrier, depending on the diffuser type. Stick to 3–8 drops per 100ml water for ultrasonic diffusers, or blend 20–30% EO with carrier oil for reed systems. With the right balance—and the 30/50/20 rule—your diffuser won’t just smell good, it will perform beautifully.