I love my ever-growing stash of essential oils. Makeup used to be my impulse purchase; now it’s a new essential oil. So one of my goals is to figure out how to use the darn things, whether it’s in green cleaning or staying healthy.
The great thing about essential oils is that they have such a wide range of health uses. This includes everyday problems from headaches, to sore muscles, to insomnia. And having these essential oils in the form of an aromatherapy roll-on is one of the easiest ways to get the full health benefits.
How to Make Aromatherapy Roll-Ons
Few essential oils can be applied neat, meaning straight onto the skin. Most need to be diluted in a carrier oil, and making an aromatherapy roll-on is hands down the easiest and most effective way to apply essential oils for my family (did I mention I have 3 squirmy kids?).
The hardest part of this process is getting your ingredients together. I love this roller bottle kit, which contains most of the tools you need (aside from the oils). But you can buy everything separately if that’s easier.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10 mL glass roll-on bottle applicator (a dark colored bottle will help keep oils from breaking down, but it’s not required)
- About ⅓ of an ounce of carrier oil (10 mL), such as fractionated coconut oil—but olive oil, jojoba, or sweet almond oils will all work
- 8–12 drops of essential oils
- A dropper or pipette makes measuring much easier
Remove the roller ball from the top of the bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops of each essential oil. Fill the rest of the bottle with carrier oil. Reattach the roller ball at the top. Shake well. Store in a cool, dark place.
Always do a test patch on the first use of a new essential oil. When you are ready to use, roll the bottle between your hands to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed with the carrier oil.
Then apply to pressure points on the body, such as the temples, behind the ears, bottoms of the feet, insides of the wrist. Or really anywhere on the skin that feels good to you (avoid eye area and mucus membranes).
Essential Oil Blends for Aromatherapy Roll-Ons
Here are a few of our favorite blends. Feel free to make up your own blends, depending on your particular needs. Just stick to the same overall number of drops, so the dilution will be safe for skin application.
Aromatherapy Roll-on FAQs
What does a carrier oil do?
A carrier oil is a gentle, unscented oil that’s used to dilute essential oils, making them safe for direct skin application. They also "carry" the essential oil into your skin without affecting the oil’s therapeutic benefits.
Where should I apply the oils?
There are a few basic places to apply essential oils:
Wrists and behind the ears – for general aromatherapy
Bottom of the feet – oils are said to be more easily absorbed through the feet. Plus, a good foot massage can be very relaxing!
Temples – perfect for headaches and tension
Abdomen – great for period pain or upset stomachs
That being said, you can technically apply essential oils anywhere on the body: behind the knees, the crown of the head, and the neck. Just be careful not to get into the eyes and mucus membranes.
How often should I re-apply essential oil blends?
Essential oils are powerful, so you should start off applying just once or twice a day. After a few weeks, if you don’t notice any redness or irritation, you can try applying your blend 3–4 times a day.
These oil blends were meant for short-term application. If you feel you need to use an essential oil blend for a long period of time, consult an essential oil practitioner for more specific advice on application and safety of the oils you will be using.
Can you use too much essential oil in your blend?
You don’t want to change the ratio of essential oils to carrier oils because that would alter the dilution and possibly cause skin irritation. Carrier oils help to dilute the essential oils, which prevents skin reactions in most cases. But everyone’s different, and dilution requirements can vary by age, personal sensitivity, and the particular oil you’re using.
Always apply oils cautiously and test them in the recommended diluted form on the inside of your wrist first to see if any irritation crops up. If so, increase the proportion of carrier oil or skip that particular essential oil altogether.
Can I cut the recipe in half and use smaller roller bottles?
Of course! Our ratios are made for 10 mL roller bottles, but cut ’em in half for 5 mL bottles, or double them for 20 mL bottles. Just make sure to adjust the number of essential oil drops accordingly to keep the same ratio to carrier oils for a safe dilution.
Can I store my blends in non-glass bottles?
I don’t recommend it. Essential oils are strong enough to break down plastic, even in small amounts, which can affect the quality of your blends. To be safe, store your aromatherapy roll-on blends in glass bottles made especially for essential oils.
What’s the best affordable essential oil brand?
I use several different essential oil brands, but most of my oils are from Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia, or NOW Foods. Look for organic oils that are humanely harvested and sold directly to consumers to help keep prices down.
How to Make Aromatherapy Roll-Ons
Equipment
- 10 ml glass roller bottle
- Dropper or pipette
Materials
- ⅓ ounce carrier oil (10 mL) such as fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba or sweet almond
- 8–12 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Remove the roller ball from the top of the bottle.
- Add the appropriate number of drops of each essential oil and fill the rest of the bottle with carrier oil. Reattach roller ball at the top.
- To use: Apply a small test patch of the mixture on first use to make sure you have no reaction before using on multiple skin areas.
- Roll the bottle between your hands before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed with the carrier oil. Then apply to pressure points on the body, such as the temples, behind the ears, bottoms of the feet, insides of the wrist.
Notes
- 7 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Ginger
- 1 drop Black Pepper
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
- 6 drops Clary Sage
- 4 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Lemon
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 4 drops Lemon
- 6 drops Rosemary
- 4 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Peppermint
- 8 drops Orange
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 8 drops Sandalwood
- 2 drops Jasmine
- 8 drops Eucalyptus
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 5 drops Peppermint
- 4 drops Cypress
- 3 drops Lavender
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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Rose says
Can't wait to try these! I just got my essential oils from GAEA Royals and they also send me a great recipe to try along with coconut oil. I will definitely make one this week!
Michelle says
I was wondering if you would have, and share, the recipe for the migraine blend since it worked for you? Thank you!
Cattychat says
You can get everything on Amazon! Love the crampy blend, it works, something about smell.
attaulrehman says
Hellow
you are gerat .
attaulrehman says
Hellow
you are gerat .
myna says
For the concentration oil, do I put that on my children in the morning before school and it lasts all day or do they need to aply it during school ?
Helen says
usually I would apply once every three hours.
Alera says
I give my son a roll on to take to school with him so he can reapply when he needs to, which he usually does.
sruthi says
Where to apply oil blend for cramps? On tummy?
Pam says
My question also!!
Tonya says
Yes on your lower abdomen
Cami says
I actually found this more ententainirg than James Joyce.
Ann says
Do you have a "print" feature for your articles? I'm just getting started and find printed material easier for me to reference. Thanks.
vicki says
Hi, I looked at Amazon to order bottles ... plastic or stainless balls, I don't know which, please help, thank you!
Mary says
I refilled my small roll on bottle with the straight oil and a carrier oil and the metal ball won't stay in. When I removed the plastic cap holding the metal ball, I did it gently, and set it down to fill, replaced it, went to use it and the ball just fell out. I have to ask the folks at Miracle Oils what I can possibly do. I'd look into that, how the ball is held in, ya know ?
Susan says
Was it just the ball that fell out or the ball and collar assumbly? You may need to press quite hard to snap the metal ball and collar portion back into the bottle.
Deb says
Essential oils will dissolve plastic. Always use glass. (Don’t ask how I know :))
Toya says
Oh my gosh I found that out with my eucalyptus oil
Peggie Socia says
What is the carrier oil. I'm new to this and I have been using the oils be I want to do the roll on. Email to peggiesocis@yahoo.com
Love all your post. Thank you
Sandra says
It's an oil used to dilute the oil extracts. My grandmother used to use olive oil for hers but I've known of others using vegetable oil.
Joyce cote says
Stupid question ever lol. 1/3 oz carrier oil. Any other measurement for that?? Equal to?? I know, real math wiz here lol
neil says
google loves stupid questions
Dale says
1/3 of an ounce is 10ml lol
Carmina Gillespie says
I was going to ask that lol????
Sharon says
It's is a little more then half way up the bottle
Kelly Fuller says
Carrier oils are olive oil, and sweet almond oil. There's one more, but I can't remember it, sorry.
Jae says
Jojoba oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil are all carrier oils used to dilute essential oils.
Jody says
Fractionated coconut oil. Amazon sells this cheap. It’s only for topical use
Heather J. says
Thans for sharing te text. I will try the eucalyptus with peppermint.
Laurie Cardosi says
Thank you I'm new to this. What book do you recommend that easy and has recipes . I have central nervous system problems
Lisa says
I can't wait to try. I have a one oz roll on bottle - which is too big I think so I will order these smaller bottles!
patti says
I just want to knw huw to mke a roll on. for lavender so i can carry around with me
Angela Murphy says
How much Carrier oil would you add?
Tatiana says
There are too many options for essential oils do you recommend a site or kind to buy? Thanks
Nell says
If I use 5ml roller bottles, will the drops of oil be the same? Do I top it off with carrier oil?
Nina says
If I wanted to make a sore muscle spray could I substitute the carrier oil for organic witch hazel
Batsheva says
What is the best brand of Essencial oils with affordable pricing??
Charlie Gronberg says
I've not used Plant Therapy, I usually buy mine from Piping Rock. Have you used their oils? if so, do you feel they are as good in quality as the Plant Therapy? Like you, I have no affiliation, but I want to insure I am using good, quality products. I've never had any problems with them and they are very reasonably priced.
Carol Stephens says
Where can J get glass roller balls & brown glass containers?
Carol Stephens says
Where do you get glass roller balls & brown glass container bottles?
Rachael wipf says
How much carrier oil in the recipes above
Bianca says
I have a set of 3ml amber roller bottles, how many drops would you suggest I use? Should I just halve the amount as listed above?
Thanks Bianca.
kims4kids says
Hi! Thank you for this post Stephanie! I love these roll-on blends. I was wondering if you can cut them in half for use in 5 ml roller bottles. I thought I was ordering 10 ml bottles (of which I have some already), but now I have a set of 6 5 ml roller bottles that I'm trying to figure out what to do with.
Thanks for any tips. :)
~Kim
Vicki says
I did the same thing when ordering sample bottles. I did just half the drops and the carrier oil the best I could. They seem to work just as good.