Essential oil to wear on you: two elegant ways
Abyss Glass
Wearing your essential oil on you means being sure you can come back to it during the day, anywhere, without depending on a bottle or a diffuser. But what exactly does "wearing it" mean? There are two main ways: the olfactory route (you breathe in the scent worn close to your body) and the skin route (you apply the diluted oil to your skin, like a perfume). Here is how they work, their advantages, their limits, and which one lends itself best to everyday use.
Why wear your essential oil on you
The effectiveness of a scent comes from regularity, not from the dose. Having your oil within reach of your nose means being able to use it at the moment you feel the need: before a meeting, during a journey, when you want to refocus. To understand why olfaction works so quickly, see our article breathing in your essential oils.
Two ways to wear your oil
You can wear an essential oil on you in two ways, which are not used for the same purpose:
The olfactory route: diffuser jewelry
You place a few drops of essential oil in a piece of jewelry designed for this purpose (pendant, ring, earrings), and the scent stays close to you, within reach of your nose. No direct contact with the skin, no dilution to measure, no question of photosensitivity. It is the gentlest and simplest use, and the only one that lasts over several days.
The skin route: oil as a perfume
You apply one to two drops of essential oil diluted in a vegetable oil to discreet areas (inside of the wrist, solar plexus, behind the ear). You can then breathe in the scent throughout the day. This route has two important limits to be aware of.
Precaution: an essential oil is NEVER applied neat to the skin. The recommended dilution for cosmetic use is generally 1 drop of essential oil to 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil. Some oils are also photosensitizing (citrus oils in particular): they leave marks on the skin in the sun if they are not avoided before exposure. And several are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children and people with epilepsy. If in doubt, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Which one to choose for everyday use?
For regular use, the olfactory route via a piece of jewelry is the simplest and the least risky: no dilution, no question of photosensitivity, and the scent can be renewed effortlessly. The skin route requires more precautions, and the "homemade perfume" only lasts a few hours. If what you are mainly looking for is to breathe in your scent during the day, jewelry is the most suitable solution. To go further on on-the-go methods, see also our guide using essential oils without a diffuser.
Olfactotherapy jewelry: wearing your oil without thinking about it
The Abyss Glass olfactotherapy® pendant is designed exactly for this: you place a few drops in it using a dropper, and the scent stays with you for several days, within reach of your nose. No contact with the skin, no bottle to carry, and a beautiful object to wear as well.
Each piece is flameworked, by hand, in a workshop in the Hautes-Pyrénées: a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. To get started with peace of mind, the olfactotherapy® gift box brings together the piece of jewelry, an essential oil of your choice, a dropper and a booklet. Discover the olfactotherapy pendants →
Frequently asked questions
Can you apply an essential oil neat to the skin?
No. An essential oil is always applied diluted in a vegetable oil, never neat: it can irritate or sensitize the skin. The usual dilution is 1 drop of essential oil to 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil.
Which essential oils should you avoid before going in the sun?
Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot, mandarin) are photosensitizing: applied to the skin before sun exposure, they can cause marks. Avoid them on the skin if you are going to be in the sun in the hours that follow.
How long does the scent last on diffuser jewelry?
Depending on the oil and the model, a few drops generally diffuse for several days before they need to be renewed.
Can you wear diffuser jewelry all the time?
Yes, like any classic piece of jewelry. Just remember to refresh it with a few drops when the scent fades.
This article is intended as well-being information and does not constitute medical advice. Essential oils must be used with care; if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
