Have you brought home a precious essential oil or absolute and were disappointed when you first used it? Nothing drips from the bottle, the oil is thick as honey? There is nothing to worry about! It is not a scam, but a natural property of some of nature's most precious gifts.
Most essential oils you know have a liquid consistency similar to water. However, there are exceptions, and often these are the most luxurious and intense oils, which have the consistency of syrup, honey, or literally turn into a thick gel at room temperature.
Why are some oils thick?
The density of an essential oil or absolute is determined by its chemical composition and extraction method. Absolutes, essential oils from resins, are most often dense. This is a sign of their high concentration and richness in molecules that are not as volatile as those in most standard essential oils.
Practical example:
Our essential oil Palo Santo It has a very thick gel consistency. It smells wonderfully soothing, but when you first try to dispense it, nothing drips from the bottle, and when you shake it, it looks empty! At that moment you think: “What is it like?!” But appearances are deceiving. This density is its natural characteristic, a sign of authenticity and quality.
How to work with thick oils? The key is to gently warm them up.
The traditional and best method for working with thick essential oils is to gently warm them. It is important to heat oils carefully and for as short a time as possible, as excessive heat could damage their fragile components.
1. Warm Rice Method (Gentle and Effective)
This technique is great because the rice acts as a gentle and even heat source that is gentler than direct heating in water.
• Preparation: Microwave approximately 1 cup of dry (uncooked) rice for one minute until evenly warm. Adjust the amount of rice to the size of the bottle.
• Warming up: Stir the rice to distribute the heat evenly. Then place the bottle of oil in the hot rice and leave it there until the oil liquefies.
• Dosage: The oil is now more fluid. Keep in mind that once the bottle cools, the oil will thicken again. If you want to dilute it, it is ideal to mix it into a carrier oil or alcohol immediately after heating, which you can also slightly preheat.
• Bonus: The heated rice is reusable. It doesn't degrade bottle labels like a water bath.
2. Warm Water Bath Method (Quick Classic)
This is the most common way to liquefy oil. It's quick and effective, but requires a little more care with the label.
• Preparation: Pour very hot (not boiling!) water into a small bowl or mug. The temperature should be around 50-60 (max. 70) °C.
• Warming up: Place the oil bottle in warm water and leave it there for 10 minutes or longer until the oil reaches the desired consistency. If the water cools down, replace it. Extra TIP: Before placing in water, place the bottle in a plastic bag to prevent damage to the label.
• Extra tip: If you plan to mix the oil with a carrier oil, gently warm the carrier oil as well.
Example:
This is exactly how you can work with our Palo Santo essential oil. After heating in a water bath (50-70 degrees), it changes from a gel consistency to a liquid within a few minutes. You can then easily drip it into a diffuser, aroma lamp or carrier oil. Just don't be afraid that it will "gel" again after cooling. This is its natural property and a sign of authenticity!
Rose oil authenticity mark
One of the rarest essential oils has one more special rule, which is also an unmistakable sign of its authenticity. You may often encounter the misconception that genuine Bulgarian rose oil or Rose Otto, is always liquid. The opposite is true! True rose oil, produced by the classic distillation method of fresh, fully bloomed flowers, solidifies or gels at temperatures below about 20 degrees Celsius.
Why? This change in consistency is due to its natural content of waxes and other solid components. It is this ability to solidify in the cold that is the key to its authenticity. If your home is warmer and you want to verify the authenticity of your rose oil, try placing it in the refrigerator for about an hour. If it has not solidified and formed a “gel” after this time, it is most likely not genuine rose oil.
How to work with it if it hardens? No worries! Just hold the bottle in your hands for a while and in a few seconds it will slowly turn into a liquid again. Important note: To preserve the quality and delicate components of rose oil, please do not heat it in a water bath or microwave! The warmth of your hands is really enough.
What to remember?
• Density = Quality: Thick oil does not indicate a defect, but often high concentration and rarity.
• Gentle heating: Always be gentle, no microwave heating! The warmth of your hands is enough for roses, a warm bath or warm rice for other thick essential oils and absolutes.
• Fast dispensing: Once the oil is liquid, try to dispense it quickly and accurately.
• Consistency: Some absolutes can be so thick that they will not pass through the dropper even after heating; they must be scooped up with a spatula or drawn out with a pipette.
Don't worry! With these simple techniques, working with thick essential oils and absolutes will become an enjoyable part of your aromatherapy ritual.
If you desire real rose oil, or are you looking for other authentic essential oils and absolutes, buy them in our e-shop! Choose 90 types of essential oils, absolute a precious essential oils from all over the world.
Do you love rose oil and would you like to learn more about it? Join the online course THE SECRET OF ROSE OIL, which we filmed for you in the Rose Valley, where we produce rose oils. Together with this online course, you will receive as a FREE bonus 2,5 ml of organic Damask rose (3%) in jojoba and 2,5 ml of organic white rose (3%) in jojoba with delivery to you!
