An essential oil bundle is one of the easiest ways to start making things that smell good. Five 1 oz bottles are enough for months of diffuser blends, room sprays, bath salts, and more, and you do not need any special equipment to begin.
Here are five simple projects for your first bundle, how far each bottle goes, and the safety basics every beginner should know.
Pick Your First Bundle
Each of these includes five 1 oz essential oils for $49.95, up to 68% off buying them separately, with free shipping in the lower 48:
- The More Citrus Oil Bundle: Lemon 5 Fold, Orange 5 Fold, Tangerine 5 Fold, Bergamot BF, and Lime Distilled. Bright, cheerful, and easy to blend.
- The Woody Essential Oil Bundle: Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Leaf, Tea Tree, and a 4 ml vial of Sandalwood. Warm, grounding, and cozy for fall.
- The Mints Essential Oil Bundle: Spearmint, Peppermint USA, Peppermint Indian, Cornmint, and Wintergreen. Cool and crisp.
Not sure what the terms on the labels mean, like 5 Fold or BF? Our guide to essential oil labels explains them.
How Far a 1 oz Bottle Goes
A 1 oz bottle holds about 30 ml, which is roughly 600 drops depending on the oil and the dropper. At 3 to 5 drops per diffuser session, one bottle lasts well over 100 sessions. A bundle of five goes a long way.
5 Easy Projects for Your First Bundle
1. A diffuser blend.
Fill your diffuser with water as the maker directs, add 3 to 5 drops total, and run it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Try 2 drops Orange 5 Fold, 2 drops Tangerine, and 1 drop Bergamot for a bright morning blend, or 3 drops Cedarwood with 2 drops Orange for something cozier. Our guide to using a diffuser has more tips.
2. A room and linen spray.
In a 2 oz glass spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka (it helps the oil disperse), 10 drops of essential oil, then top up with distilled water. Shake before every use. Spearmint and Lime together smell wonderfully fresh. See how to make your own room spray for the full method.
3. Bath salts.
Mix 1 cup Epsom salt with 1/2 cup sea salt. In a small dish, stir 5 to 6 drops of essential oil into 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil, then mix it through the salts. Pre-mixing with a carrier helps the oil disperse instead of floating on the water. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per bath. Our bath safety guide explains why this step matters.
4. Bath bombs.
Bath bombs are a fun weekend project and make great gifts. Our step-by-step essential oil bath bomb recipe is beginner friendly, and the cinnamon-clove autumn version is perfect for the season. Keep strong oils like Cinnamon Leaf to a very small amount.
5. A simple body oil.
For a 1 oz bottle of carrier oil such as Jojoba or Argan Oil, add 6 to 12 drops of essential oil total, which is a 1 to 2% dilution. Cedarwood with a drop of Tangerine is a gentle place to start. Patch test first, and read our dilution guide for beginners before making anything for skin.
Blending Tips for Beginners
- Start with two oils. Two-oil blends are easy to balance. Add a third once you know what you like.
- Count drops and write them down. When you find a favorite, you can make it again.
- Citrus plus wood is a safe bet. Bright citrus on top of a grounding wood like Cedarwood works almost every time.
- Keep caps tight. Citrus oils in particular fade faster once opened. Store bottles cool and dark.
A Note on Safety
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Never apply them undiluted to skin, never ingest them, and keep them away from eyes, children, and pets. Always dilute in a carrier oil before skin use and patch test first. Some citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight in leave-on products. Wintergreen and Cinnamon Leaf are especially strong: use them in very small amounts and keep them well away from children. Diffuse in a ventilated room for short sessions, and check with a veterinarian before diffusing around pets. Talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Start Blending
Pick the scent family you are drawn to, citrus, woody, or mint, and try one project this weekend. Browse all our Sampler Bundles, see the full range of essential oils, or use the Start Here page to find your fit. Still deciding between essential oils and fragrance oils? Our beginner comparison will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which essential oil bundle is best for beginners?
The More Citrus Oil Bundle is the easiest to blend and smells cheerful in a diffuser or room spray. Choose the Woody bundle for cozy scents or the Mints bundle for a crisp, fresh feel.
How many drops of essential oil go in a diffuser?
Start with 3 to 5 drops total, depending on the size of the room and your diffuser, and run it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
How long does a 1 oz bottle of essential oil last?
A 1 oz bottle holds roughly 600 drops, so at 3 to 5 drops per diffuser session it lasts well over 100 sessions.
Can I add essential oils straight to my bath?
No. Mix them into a carrier oil first, then into bath salts, so the oil disperses instead of sitting on the water.
Do I need a carrier oil for skin?
Yes. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba or argan before applying to skin. A 1 to 2% dilution (6 to 12 drops per ounce) is a common starting point for adults.
Can I use essential oils in candles?
You can, but many essential oils smell faint in hot wax. For candles, fragrance oils made for candles are usually the easier choice.