Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural essence and beneficial properties of plants. They are commonly used in aromatherapy, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and more. Essential oils are typically sold in small glass bottles with dropper tops or orifice reducers that allow the oils to be dispensed by the drop.
What is the average size of an essential oil drop?
The size of an essential oil drop can vary depending on the viscosity of the oil, the size of the orifice, and how it is dispensed. However, most sources estimate the average size of a single drop of essential oil to be around:
- 0.05 mL (or 50 microliters)
- 0.015 teaspoons
- 33 drops = 1 teaspoon
So if the average essential oil drop is around 0.05 mL, then 2 drops would equate to approximately 0.1 mL of oil.
Factors that affect essential oil drop size
Several factors can affect the size of an essential oil drop, including:
Viscosity
Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid. Thicker, more viscous essential oils like sandalwood, patchouli, and vetiver tend to produce larger drops. Thinner, less viscous oils like lemon, lavender, and tea tree create smaller drops.
Orifice size
The size of the opening (orifice) where the dropper meets the bottle can impact drop size. Larger orifices produce larger drops while smaller openings create smaller drops. Glass dropper bottles often have orifice sizes between 0.9-1.3mm.
Bottle design
The design of the essential oil bottle can influence drop size. For example, bottles with built-in orifice reducers tend to produce smaller, more controlled drops. Roller ball tops and spray nozzles will also affect droplet size.
Dispensing method
How the oil is dispensed (gently squeezed vs shaken) can affect the size of the drop. If shaken vigorously beforehand, the drop may be larger due to air bubbles in the oil.
Temperature
The temperature of the oil can also impact viscosity. Colder oils tend to be thicker and more viscous, producing larger drops. Warmer oils are thinner and lead to smaller drops.
Typical essential oil bottle sizes
Essential oils are commonly sold in the following size bottles:
| Bottle Size | Total Volume |
|---|---|
| 5 mL roller bottle | 5 mL (0.17 oz) |
| 10 mL bottle | 10 mL (0.34 oz) |
| 15 mL bottle | 15 mL (0.5 oz) |
| 30 mL bottle | 30 mL (1 oz) |
As you can see, standard essential oil bottles contain relatively small amounts of oil, ranging from 5-30 mL. This is because only tiny amounts of essential oils are needed to be effective.
How many drops are in different essential oil bottle sizes?
Based on the average essential oil drop size of 0.05 mL, here is an estimate of the total number of drops each bottle size contains:
| Bottle Size | Total Drops |
|---|---|
| 5 mL roller bottle | Approx. 100 drops |
| 10 mL bottle | Approx. 200 drops |
| 15 mL bottle | Approx. 300 drops |
| 30 mL bottle | Approx. 600 drops |
So a typical 15 mL (0.5 oz) bottle of essential oil contains around 300 drops total. And a 30 mL (1 oz) bottle contains about 600 drops.
Typical essential oil usage rates
Essential oils are potent and concentrated, so only small amounts are needed for each use. Here are some general guidelines for how much oil to use at a time:
- Aromatherapy/inhalation: 2-4 drops in a diffuser locket or bath
- Topical use: 1-3 drops diluted with a carrier oil before applying to skin
- Household cleaning: 3-5 drops added to cleaners or diluted in water
- Massage oil: 5-10 drops blended with 10 mL carrier oil
- Perfume: 1-2 drops dabbed onto pulse points
As you can see, essential oils are used by the drop or in very small dilutions. Using more than recommended can lead to sensitization, irritation, or wasting product.
How long does a bottle of essential oil last?
With regular use, most 15-30 mL bottles of essential oil will last:
- 3-6 months for aromatic or topical use
- 6-12 months when used for household cleaning
Oils used more frequently or in greater dilution may need to be replaced sooner. Proper storage extends shelf life. Oils may last 2-3 years or longer when stored correctly.
Key takeaways
So in summary:
- The average essential oil drop is around 0.05 mL.
- Therefore, 2 drops = approx. 0.1 mL of oil.
- Drop size can vary based on oil viscosity, orifice size, bottle design, dispensing method, and temperature.
- A 15 mL essential oil bottle contains approx. 300 drops.
- A 30 mL essential oil bottle contains approx. 600 drops.
- Only small amounts of essential oils are needed at a time – usually just a few drops.
- When used regularly, a 15-30 mL bottle will last 3-12 months typically.
Other useful essential oil conversions
Here are some other handy essential oil conversions:
- 1 drop = approx. 1/8 inch diameter when dropped onto a surface
- 1 teaspoon = approximately 33 drops
- 1 tablespoon = approximately 100 drops
- 1 fluid ounce = approximately 600 drops
- 1 mL = approximately 20 drops
Knowing these measurements allows you to substitute drops for other units used in essential oil recipes and formulations.
Factors that affect oil viscosity
The viscosity of an essential oil, also referred to as its thickness or resistance to flow, can impact its aroma, absorption, and more. Here are some key factors that influence oil viscosity:
Types of plants/oil composition
The viscosity of an essential oil is largely determined by its complex mixture of chemical compounds, which varies among plant types. Woody and resinous oils tend to be thicker.
Distillation method
Some distillation processes selectively extract certain fractions, leaving behind heavier, more viscous components.
Age/oxidation
As oils age and become exposed to oxygen, viscosity tends to increase due to polymerization of compounds.
Storage temperature
Heat thins oils while colder temps cause thickening. Optimal storage temps are 50-80°F.
Adulteration
Added synthetic chemicals may artificially thicken or thin an oil from its natural state.
Time of harvest
Plants harvested at different growth phases or seasons may yield oils of varying viscosity.
Tips for working with viscous oils
Here are some tips for handling and using thicker, highly viscous essential oils:
- Gently warm bottle in hands for 1-2 minutes before use
- Store oils at room temperature to avoid extreme thickening
- Roll bottle between palms or gently massage to promote flow
- Use a pipette or syringe for accurate measurement
- Add more diluent (carrier oil, water, etc) when diluting
- Use in blends with thinner oils like grapefruit or lemon
- Consider slightly warming blends containing viscous oils before use
Conclusion
In summary, the average essential oil drop is around 0.05 mL. Therefore, 2 drops of essential oil equates to approximately 0.1 mL. However, drop size can vary based on several factors. Knowing standard essential oil measurements allows you to safely and effectively use these potent plant extracts.
