Essential Oils for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
If you're new to essential oils, welcome. This post answers the questions we get asked most at the market, in plain language, with no assumed knowledge. By the end, you'll know exactly what to buy, what to put it in, and how to use it safely.
First things first: what actually is a "diffuser"?
This word gets used for a few different things, so let's clear it up before anything else.
If you already own one of our reed diffusers (the bottle with the white reeds sticking out), that's a different product. Reed diffusers use fragrance oil in a liquid base, and the reeds slowly release the scent into the room on their own. You can't add essential oils to a reed diffuser. It's not designed for that, and it won't work.
The four essential oil blends in this post need one of these instead:
| Device | How it works | Water needed? | Power source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric ultrasonic diffuser | Turns water and a few drops of oil into a fine mist | Yes | Plug-in or battery |
| Oil burner | A tealight gently warms oil in a dish above it | Optional (helps oil last longer, stops scorching) | Tealight candle |
| Aroma stone | A porous stone or disc slowly absorbs and releases oil | No | None |
| Compatible car diffuser | A mini ultrasonic diffuser sized for a cup holder or vent | Yes | Plug-in or battery |
In short: essential oils need water, heat, or a porous surface to release their scent. Reed diffusers don't do any of those things, which is why the two products aren't interchangeable.
Meet the four blends
Each blend is built around an Australian native ingredient and designed for a different mood.
| Blend | Good for | Smells like | Native ingredient | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Defender | Cold weather, feeling cosy | Warm spice, citrus | Blue mallee eucalyptus | Shop → |
| The Comforter | Winding down, bedtime | Soft florals | Lemon myrtle | Shop → |
| The Energiser | Mornings, focus, your desk | Bright citrus, woody base | Australian sandalwood | Shop → |
| The Outsider | Fresh air, feeling outdoorsy | Eucalyptus, green, clean | Australian sandalwood | Shop → |
Not sure which one? Pick based on how you want to feel, not just what sounds nice.
How to actually use them
How many drops do I use?
3 to 4 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser, oil burner, or on an aroma stone. A little goes a long way, so don't overdo it.
Can I put it straight on my skin?
No, not undiluted. Essential oils are strong and need to be mixed with a carrier oil first, such as coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. The ratio is 3 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil. Always avoid your eyes.
Can I add water to dilute it, instead of a carrier oil?
No. Oil and water don't mix, so water won't dilute an essential oil the way a carrier oil does. If you add water and oil together on your skin, the oil just sits there undiluted, which isn't safe.
Water only comes into it if you're using a water-based ultrasonic diffuser (the kind described above). In that case, yes, you add water to the machine along with your drops of oil. That's a completely different situation to putting something on your skin.
Can I use it in my car?
Yes, as long as you have a compatible car diffuser (see above). Add your drops straight into the diffuser, not onto the seats, dash, or any other surface. Essential oils can mark or damage leather and other car interiors, so keep the oil contained to the diffuser itself.
Can I put a drop of essential oil in my laundry?
If you have experience adding essential oils to your dryer load, add one drop to a wool dryer ball, never directly onto fabric or clothing, as neat oil can stain. This isn't something we'd suggest if you're new to using oils this way, and it's worth testing on a hidden spot first, especially with The Comforter, as patchouli can leave a mark.
Use at your own discretion; Clare Makes isn't responsible for any staining or damage to fabric.
Can I add it to a candle or wax melt?
No, please don't. These blends aren't formulated or tested for that, and adding oil to a burning candle or melting wax isn't safe. Stick to a diffuser, oil burner, or aroma stone, where we know exactly how each blend performs.
Can I add it to my reed diffuser?
No. Reed diffusers are filled with a fragrance oil in a liquid base, and the reeds do all the work of releasing that scent, slowly and on their own. Essential oils are a different product, and they need water, heat, or a porous surface to release their scent, none of which a reed diffuser bottle provides. Adding essential oil to a reed diffuser won't work and can affect the reeds or the base liquid. Keep these blends for your ultrasonic diffuser, oil burner, aroma stone, or car diffuser instead.
How long will one bottle last me?
At 3 to 4 drops a use, a 10ml bottle lasts longer than most people expect. Exactly how long depends on how often you use it.
Safety basics
| For external use only. Never swallow. | Never put undiluted oil on your skin. |
| Keep away from your eyes. | Keep away from children and pets. |
| Keep away from plastic and painted surfaces, as the oil can affect the finish. | Store your bottle out of direct sunlight, somewhere below 30°C. |
| If your skin reacts at all, stop using it. | All four blends are vegan and cruelty-free. |
Shipping
Can I get these sent Express?
Yes, Express Post is available with a caveat.
One thing to know: because essential oils are classed as dangerous goods for transport, they travel by road rather than air, even on an Express service. This means interstate delivery may take a little longer than a typical Express parcel. It'll still get there, just not necessarily any faster than standard shipping between states.
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Got a question we haven't covered? Come find us at the next market, we're always happy to talk you through it.