How to Use Our Oils: A Modern Guide Rooted in Reverence (and a Little Real Talk)
There’s something magnetic about working with essential oils, the scent, the energy, the subtle shift they bring into your space and your system and the deep connection to ancient culture. But with so much noise out there (and a lot of confusing advice), we thought it was time to ground things again.
At Scent Molecule, we believe in using oils mindfully, joyfully, and with deep respect for the plant and the planet. Here’s our guide to how to use our oils with intention and clarity.
The Basics: Less Is Still More
Essential oils are concentrated. Really concentrated!!! One drop represents a significant amount of raw plant material. That’s why we’re big believers in the “less is more” approach.
We’re not trying to encourage overuse. Some brands might, but we’re not in the business of emptying your bottles faster so you reorder sooner. That doesn’t honour the plant, your body, or your bank account.
Start small. Let the oil unfold. You can always add more, but you can’t un-drop a drop.
Why We Dilute And Why You Should Too
You might’ve heard certain brands (looking at you, MLMs) claim their oils are so pure you can use them “neat” on the skin. Sounds impressive…… until you realise that this is more about moving product than offering safe advice.
Here’s the truth:
In nearly 30 years of working with essential oils, the professional recommendation has always been to dilute. Purity has nothing to do with it, skin irritation and sensitisation can happen with any oil used improperly.
We dilute to:
Protect your skin
Prevent long-term reactivity
Honour the potency of the plant
Our Sanctus range is already pre-diluted in golden organic jojoba at 3% made especially to be applied to pulse points for prayer, ritual, and emotional support. You can use it straight from the bottle with confidence and grace.
Our Favourite Ways to Use Essential Oils
We want your oils to be more than just a pretty scent. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
Aromatic
Diffuser: Add 3–5 drops per 100 mL water
Inhalation: 1–2 drops on a tissue, or use a personal inhaler
Topical
Use our Sanctus range directly on the skin
For pure oils, dilute into a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut
General dilution guide:
1% = facial use / sensitive skin
2–3% = daily body use
5%+ = short-term, localised application only
Bathing
Never drop essential oils straight into your bath. They’ll just float on the surface, cling to your skin undiluted, and for those more delicate zones (women, you feel me), that can mean irritation or a very un-fun soak
Always mix with:
A spoon of full-fat milk
A dash of castile soap
A tablespoon of carrier oil blended into bath salts
Drops vs Grams: If You're Blending for scale up, Weigh It
If you’re blending at home and want to recreate something you've fallen in love with, we recommend using weight (grams) instead of drops.
Why?
Not all oils weigh the same
Drop size varies by viscosity, temperature, and bottle type, Vetiver, for example, is thick, lemon is not
For consistent results, especially if you're scaling up, use a small scale (ideally to 0.01 g). It's how professionals blend, and you deserve that accuracy.
If you don’t have any equipment by all means, keep blending with drops just keep this is mind if you want to create something you can replicate.
What You Diffuse With Matters
Let’s talk about diffusers.
We recommend using glass, ceramic, or brass diffusers. Why?
Because essential oils break down plastic over time.
That means:
Your diffuser ends up full of gunk and oxidised residue, and those degraded oils can be irritating, even toxic, when inhaled.
You get a mist of lovely scent… laced with microplastics
The true aroma of your oils gets muddied and distorted
So yes, it matters. And while you're at it, clean your diffuser between oils. Your nose (and lungs) will thank you.
Honour the Plant
Every drop of oil carries the spirit of the plant, the effort of the harvest, and the care of the distillation process. Overusing oils isn’t just unnecessary, it’s disrespectful to the ecosystems and communities who work so hard to bring these materials to life.
So:
Take your time
Use with intention
Let your practice be personal, not performative
Final Words
We’re here to help you create meaningful rituals, not rush through them.
We’re not about hype. We’re not about hustle.
We’re about honouring the seen and unseen, the ancient, and the everyday.
Use your oils with curiosity. With integrity. With love.
The rest will follow.
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