How much grapefruit essential oil should I add to a bath or massage blend?

For safe topical use, essential oils like this grapefruit oil must always be diluted in a carrier oil or another base product. A common guideline for a body massage blend is 1–2% dilution, which translates to roughly 1–2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (about 5 ml) of a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or fractionated coconut oil. For a full bath, adding 5–8 drops mixed into a tablespoon of a dispersant like full-fat milk, honey, or a carrier oil helps it blend with the water instead of floating on top undiluted. Always start with the lower amount to see how your skin and senses respond.

Because this oil is known to increase skin's sensitivity to sunlight, it's best not to apply diluted blends to large areas of skin before sun exposure. A patch test is a sensible first step: apply a small amount of your diluted blend to the inside of your forearm, wait 24 hours, and check for any redness or irritation. This product is for external use only. Consult a specialist before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic condition, or are on medication.