Carrier Oils and Dilution Flashcards

Which dilution rate is typically recommended for children aged 2–6 years?

Answer: 1%

A 1% dilution is generally recommended for young children ages 2–6 to account for their more sensitive and permeable skin.

Which carrier oil is exceptionally high in ricinoleic acid, giving it unique thick consistency and use in hair products?

Answer: Castor oil

Castor oil contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid that gives it its thick viscosity and hair-conditioning properties.

Which carrier oil is especially valued in aromatherapy for its high vitamin E content and use as a natural preservative for other carrier oils?

Answer: Wheat germ oil

Wheat germ oil is extremely rich in vitamin E (tocopherols) and is often added in small amounts to extend the shelf life of blends.

Which dilution is considered appropriate for an acute, short-term therapeutic treatment blend for adults?

Answer: 5–10%

A 5–10% dilution may be used for short-term acute treatments such as a localized muscle pain blend, used only briefly.

Which carrier oil derived from the fruit of an African tree is rich in oleic and stearic acids and known for its skin-healing properties?

Answer: Marula oil

Marula oil, from the Marula tree native to sub-Saharan Africa, contains high oleic acid content and is prized for skin rejuvenation.

For a 10 mL bottle of blend, how many drops of essential oil are needed for a 3% dilution?

Answer: 6 drops

A 3% dilution in 10 mL requires 6 drops (10 mL × 20 drops/mL × 0.03 = 6 drops).