Jennifer Lane - Certified Aromatherapist on
Roller bottles are the perfect way to mix up your own essential oils. The roller ball on top will distribute some of the mixture onto whatever it touches, making it easy to apply just the right amount to the location of your choice. They're small enough so they won't take up much space in your purse or backpack. Learn more and get our FREE Roller Recipe Guide!
Do you want to learn more about roller bottles for essential oils? If you are an essential oil user, you know how important essential oil roller bottles are. They make topical application of oils super simple, plus they can save you time and money. There are an endless amount of Recipes for Essential Oil Roller Bottles, keep reading to find out more.
In this article, we'll talk about how aromatherapy rollers work, what rollerballs are best used for, how to make roller recipes, and where to apply the roller blends. Let's get started!
Roller Bottles for Essential Oils
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular as people look for natural ways to improve their health and well-being. While there are many different ways to use essential oils, one of the most convenient is to apply them topically using a roller bottle.
Roller bottles come in a variety of sizes, but they all have a small rollerball that allows you to apply the oil directly to your skin. They can be used for everything from pain relief to improving sleep.
What can roller bottles be used for?
You can use them for massage oils, rollerball remedies, essential oil dilution for hot oils, aromatherapy roll ons, beauty sticks, essential oil blends, natural lip gloss, and much more!
I personally love roller bottles. They make using essential oils everyday easy and convenient. I always use ones with stainless steel metal roller balls. They roll much smoother than plastic rollerballs.
I have many roll ons ready for whenever I need them. I especially love my single oils like peppermint and lavender, I use them a lot so having them ready in roller bottles, pre-diluted, makes grabbing and using simple.
No more having to fumble with oil bottles, carrier oils, then mixing in your hands. Instead, just grab your roller bottle and roll on where you need them.
How to Dilute Essential Oils for Roll Ons
We have updated and revised our essential oil guide, we hope you enjoy the new recipes and blends! One of the biggest things we have changed in our revised guide is the dilutions of the blends. Now all blends are at a 5% dilution so they are safe for short term use for adults.
We also included 10 new kids roller recipes that are at a 1% dilution level. Essential oil safety is really important so be sure to know what essential oils to avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For a 5% dilution in a 10 ml bottle it comes out to only 10 drops of essential oils. It may not seem like a lot but remember how potent and concentrated essential oils are. Roll on bottles are usually 10 ml, that equals 2 teaspoons.
For a 1% dilution it comes out to 2 drops of essential oils. Here is our Dilution Infographic:
Dilution Guidelines: Recipes For Essential Oil Roller Bottles
How to Make An Essential Oil Roller
An essential oil roller is a great way to use these oils because it's quick and easy, you can carry it with you, and it's an all-natural way to feel better.
Using your oil in roller bottles will save you money by making your oils last longer and the dilution does not weaken the essential oils at all, it actually helps to get the oils where you want them.
You will be able to apply them where you need them and then rub them in better.
- Add 10 drops of essential oil (or oils) to a 10ml Roller Bottle
- Fill rest of bottle with carrier oil of choice (jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or your choice of carrier oils). See below for my favorites.
- Add top and roll bottle between palms to mix, label bottle and you are ready to roll!
Carrier Oils For Roller Bottles
Carrier oils are what you will use with your essential oils for dilution. They also have many skin benefits like moisturizing and hydrating your skin. Many are rich in vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids that are a must for keeping your skin looking young and healthy.
Jojoba Oil for Roll Ons
Jojoba oil is our top choice for using with roller bottles because it is a multipurpose carrier oil that is safe for all uses, nourishing and moisturizing to skin, and absorbs quickly. It gets to work supporting and improving your skin’s hydration.
If I could only buy one carrier oil, it would be jojoba oil. It is easily found and has a long shelf life. I can also use it in all my DIY essential oil recipes. I am never without a bottle of this carrier oil. You can buy it here.
Fractionated Coconut Oil for Roll Ons
Fractionated coconut oil is a good choice carrier for essential oil roller blends. We all love the benefits of coconut oil, but virgin coconut oil becomes solid and difficult to use and spread at room temperature—especially in the cold winter months.
The process of ‘fractionation’ removes a fraction of the oil, the long-chain-triglycerides. This leaves only the skin-loving medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs) behind. The result is a clear, liquid form of coconut oil...YES it stays liquid at any temperature!
Fractionated coconut oil also is odorless so it is a perfect base to use with essential oils. It allows the scent of the pure essential oils shine through.
Sweet Almond Oil for Roll Ons
Sweet Almond Oil is nourishing, hydrating and is extremely gentle on the skin. It is the perfect cross between not-too-greasy, yet not-too-absorbing, an ideal aromatherapy oil.
It has a shorter shelf life than jojoba oil and fractionated coconut oil. Can be used as a total body moisturizer and a favorite for massage blends.
Rosehip Oil for Roller Recipes
Rosehip Oil helps to repair dry or damaged skin. This oil is a great natural moisturizer which will help to soothe dry skin conditions, minimize the appearance of fine lines and slow down skin aging. I especially like to use rosehip in facial blends. You can buy it here.
Essential Oil Roller Recipe Tips
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular as people look for natural ways to improve their health and well-being. And one of the most convenient ways to use essential oils is with a roller bottle.
Roller bottles allow you to easily apply essential oils to the skin, and they are great for travel. But there are a few things you should know before using essential oils in a roller bottle.
What are the Best Essential Oil Ingredients for Roller Recipes?
One ingredient that is important is choosing the right carrier oil. Carrier oils help to dilute the essential oil and prevent skin irritation. A good rule of thumb is to choose a carrier oil that is light in texture and odorless.
We already outlined some of the best carrier oil above, keep reading to find out the best essential oils for aromatherapy roll ons.
What Essential Oils Can I Use in Roll on Bottles?
You'll need to choose the right essential oil or blend of oils for your needs. Essential oils can be used for a variety of purposes, including relaxation, energy, focus, and stress relief.
You can use just single oils in the roller bottle like peppermint, lavender, melaleuca (tea tree oil), or frankincense. Having these oils diluted in a carrier oil ready for application will be a real time and money saver.
If your oil brand has premade oil blends, you can use those blends as well. Use 6 to 10 drops of your favorite oil brands premade blend, then add the carrier oil. If using on a child, you may want to start with only 2 drops of essential oils. Be sure to use only kid friendly essential oils.
Where to Apply Roller Bottles?
Roller bottles can be rolled onto just about any body part with a few exceptions. Keep away from eyes, inside ears and mucous membranes to prevent irritation. Favorite places to roll oils on are bottoms of feet, neck, behind ears, wrists, temples, chest, spine/back and belly.
Need some inspiration for what eo blends to make? Check out our list of essential oil roller recipes we have here and then get our Roller Bottle Recipe Guide for even more recipes to enjoy!
26 DIY Essential Oil Roller Recipes
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular as people look for natural ways to improve their health and well-being. While there are many different ways to use essential oils, one of the most convenient is to apply them topically using a roller bottle.
1. Tummy Tamer Blend |
For occasional upset stomach
Roll on belly and massage in a clockwise circular motion. |
2. Bruise Blend |
Promotes healing to bruised skin
Apply directly to the bruised area. Read more about essential oils and bruising. |
3. Seasonal Support Recipe |
For seasonal or environmental threats
Roll on to chest, behind ears or on wrists. |
4. Muscle Rub Blend |
Helps with sore muscles
I like to roll this blend directly on my sore muscles. |
5. Focus Blend |
Helps to keep on task and focused
Roll on chest, behind ears or wrists. Inhale the aroma while taking deep breaths. Read more about essential oils for concentration. |
6. Headache Support |
Supports relaxation and tension, eases discomfort
Roll on back of neck, shoulder, behind ears and/or forehead. |
7. Clear Skin |
Promotes clear & healthy skin
Roll onto area of concern. |
8. Bug Bite Roller |
Helps soothe itching and discomfort caused by insect bites with this oily roll on.
Roll on and around bug bite area. Here is a complete blog post on essential oils and bug bites. |
9. Cough Support |
Promotes respiratory health
Roll onto chest and rub in. |
10. Massage Blend Roller Recipe |
Helps support mind and body!
Roll on to desired area before massaging. |
11. Fever Support Roll On |
This oil blend promotes cooling and supports overall wellbeing.
Roll onto back of neck, spine and chest when febrile. |
12. Memory Boost Roller Blend |
Enhances memory retention and concentration
Roll on back of neck, forehead, and behind ears. |
13. Toenail Health Roller |
Promote healthy toenails and feet with this roll on blend for toes!
Roll onto and around toenail, allow to air dry. Great to apply after nail grooming or foot soaking. |
14. Protective Blend |
Supports healthy body and immune system
Roll on the bottom of feet or onto the chest. Thieves essential oil is another protective blend, read more about it. |
15. Razor Relief |
Promotes healthy skin and healing after shaving
Roll onto skin after shaving, rub in. |
16. Stop Itching |
Helps soothe and heal itchy skin
Roll onto desired area, rub in. |
17. Skin Healing |
Nourishes and promotes healthy skin
Roll on desired areas of skin. |
18. Sleepytime Roller |
Promotes relaxation and sleep
Roll on to chest and shoulders before bedtime. |
19. Youthful Glow |
Promote healthy, youthful skin
Roll on desired area. |
20. Nail Strengthener |
Supports strong, healthy nails and hands
Roll on and around fingernails and cuticles, allow to air dry. |
21. Natural Lip Gloss |
Promotes soft and healthy lips - 2.5% dilution
Lightly roll onto lips, rub lips together. |
22. Kids Roller - Sleep Tight |
Promotes relaxation and sleep
Roll on to chest and shoulders before bedtime. |
23. Kids Roller - Happy Tummy |
Promotes healthy digestion
Roll on belly and massage in a clockwise circular motion. |
24. Kids Roller - Bug Bite |
Helps soothe itching and discomfort of insect bite
Roll on and around bug bite area. |
25. Kids Roller - Happy Lungs |
Supports respiratory health
Roll onto chest and rub in. |
26. Kids Roller - Owie Blend |
Promotes healing and eases discomfort
Roll onto finger and gently dab on minor cut or abrasion. |
How to Label Your Essential Oil Roller
Be sure to label your roller bottles so you know which one contains which oil. This will help you avoid any mix-ups (and potential skin reactions). Simply write the name of the essential oil or oil blend on a label and place the label on the bottle.
Our free recipes guide below has printable labels that can be used.
FREE Guide - 50 Essential Oil Roll On Recipes
If you liked these recipes, get our free guide and get a total of 50 Roller Recipes Guide, complete with matching bottle labels.
Happy oiling!
How to Use Essential Oils in a Roller Bottle
Roller bottles come in a variety of sizes, but they all have a small rollerball that allows you to apply the oil directly to your skin. Once you've chosen the right oil or blend, simply add it to your roller bottle and top off with your carrier oil.
To use a roller bottle, simply add the desired amount of essential oil (or oils) to the bottle, fill the rest with carrier oil, and replace the cap.
Once you’ve done this, you can apply the oil directly to your skin by rolling it on. When using essential oils topically, it’s important to remember that less is more. Start with a small amount and increase as needed.
You should also never apply essential oils directly to your skin without diluting them first. Doing so could cause irritation or even burning. Carrier oils help to dilute essential oils and make them safe for topical use. When choosing a carrier oil, it’s important to consider your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to choose a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil.
What is a therapeutic grade essential oil?
Therapeutic grade is simply a marketing term that any company can claim. No government agency or organization “grades” or “certifies” essential oils in the United States.