Understanding Thick essential oils - Crystallization - Viscosity

Understanding Thick Essential Oils

Have you ever experienced the excitement of receiving a new essential oil, only to find that it won't pour out of the bottle?

Don't worry - you've likely purchased a thick, high-viscosity essential oil. While this can be frustrating, we have some helpful tips to make using these oils easier.

What Causes Thick Essential Oils?

Thick essential oils have a higher viscosity at room temperature, similar to natural honey.

This is due to their larger molecular structure, which makes them less volatile.

These oils are typically base notes, releasing their scent slowly over time due to their slow evaporation rate.

Common thick essential oils include:

  • Amyris
  • Coffee 
  • Myrrh
  • Patchouli
  • Sandalwood
  • Vetiver

 

Medium-thick oils:

  • Peru balsam
  • Vanilla
  • Various CO2 extracts

The thickness of these oils can vary depending on room temperature.

 

Essential Oil Crystals

Some essential oils, such as mint, anise, and cedar, may crystallize when exposed to cold temperatures. This can cause the oil to become cloudy or develop solid particles. Gently warming the oil can help restore it to its liquid state.

Tips for Using Thick Essential Oils

 

  1. Body heat method: Carry the bottle in your pocket or hold it tightly in your hand. Your body temperature will gently warm the oil, increasing its fluidity.
  2. Pipette technique: Use pipettes to extract the desired amount of oil from the bottle.
  3. Warm water bath: Place the bottle in a cup of warm water. To protect the label, consider using a small ziplock bag.

Important: Always warm essential oils gently and at the lowest possible temperature. Overheating can damage the oil and reduce its benefits. Never expose essential oils to temperatures above 32-40°C (90-104°F).

 

Safety Precautions

 

  • Wear gloves when handling essential oil bottles to prevent accidental spills on your skin.
  • If oil contacts your skin directly, use a carrier oil to remove excess and minimize potential sensitivities.

Enjoying Thick Essential Oils at Home

 

There are two main ways to use these rich, sumptuous oils:

 

  1. Diffuser blending: Mix thick oils with more volatile essential oils like lavender or lemon before adding to your diffuser. This prevents potential clogging of the diffuser mechanism.
  2. Passive diffusion: Place a few drops on a small terra-cotta plate in a warm area to enjoy the scent throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can fully appreciate the unique qualities of thick essential oils and incorporate them into your aromatherapy practice with ease.