What Oils Can be Used in a Diffuser? Can You Use Warming Oil in a Diffuser?

Think of oil diffusers as effective tools of self-care, which help to transform your home or office into a tranquil space for easier breathing. But one trouble that users of diffusers often run into is knowing the right kind of oils to use.

There’s no blame here and certainly no shame. There’s so much information out there- often conflicting- and it’s so hard to see through the noise.

This post has been put together to help you make sense of the questions and provide the information you need, in order to help you make the right choices.

What oils can be used in a diffuser?

Let’s take a look at the main categories of oils we have. Basically, there are three types and we will talk about them and whether they can be used in diffusers.

1. Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are made from plants, but are best used topically rather than diffused. This is mostly because they have a thick consistency that may clog your diffuser instead of broken down and released into the air.

Also, carrier oils lack the sweet fragrance that you require to make your home smell fresh and clean.

2. Fragrance Oils

Again, the consistency of fragrance oils makes it a problem for diffusers. Most experts will tell you to avoid using them in diffusers altogether; and we agree.

If you must, you have to only add a few drops of the oil and fill the tank with water to the max line, so that you do not clog your diffusers. Fragrance oils are heavier and more viscous and can cause problems for your diffuser.

3. Warming Oil

Unlike natural plant-based oils, warming oils are synthetic in nature. They are often made from petroleum and perfumed to provide good ambient air in your home.

While warming oils can be used in a diffuser, you should know that their benefits are limited to their fragrance and ability to perfume the air. Warming oils do not have therapeutic benefits.

4. Essential Oils

Like carrier oils, essential oils are also natural extracts from flowers, stems and leaves of plants. But unlike carrier oils, essential oils are inhaled and used in diffusers. They have great scents and are very therapeutic too.

Essential oils represent the best kind of oils to be used in diffusers because they have just the right consistency. They are also sometimes diluted with carrier oils and used topically.

Why Essential Oils are best for use in Diffuser?

• Essential oils are natural extracts, and so have the natural properties from plants needed for medicinal needs.

• They can help to keep the home feeling fresh and smelling really nice.

• They have the right texture and consistency that support a diffuser.

• Essential oils possess antifungal and antibacterial properties to help fight against germs and diseases.

• Essential oils are known to promote healthy sleep.

• They can alleviate certain pains and relieve headaches.

• There are also indications that essential oils can help with common cold, skin conditions and digestion.

• The therapeutic properties stem from the fact that you get to inhale soothing fragrance which can help your concentration and focus. They can also ease your nerves and help you relax.

Types of Essential Oils You Can Use in Diffusers

Whether it’s an ultrasonic diffuser, nebulizer, evaporative or heat diffuser, there are different types of essential oils you can use. These provide the aromatherapy you need in your home.

Some of the best essential oils you can include are:

1. Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile essential oil is a great therapy for anxiety and has been a viable sedative for many years.

While there is the Roman Chamomile, it is best to look out for the German Chamomile which has higher levels of the active ingredient, Chamazulene.

It is a popular essential oil with immense health benefits and is highly suitable for diffusers.

2. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil can be used alone or in combination with other oils. It is a natural anti-depressant that can replace prescription medicine.

A diffuser ensures the oil is properly dispersed into the air to provide the soothing aroma and benefits that you need.

Studies have shown that frankincense also has psychoactive effects which can relax the mind and add a resonating level of spiritual consciousness.

3. Grapefruit Essential Oil

Another suitable oil that you can use in a diffuser is grapefruit essential oil. It can give your home the desired scent and is also a good way to reduce the effects of PMS. We know how annoying PMS can be, with reduced mobility and productivity.

With grapefruit oil dispersed generously via a diffuser, you can enjoy the many benefits there are, including relieving feelings of anxiety and lethargy. This oil is quite thin, so dispersing in a diffuser is not a problem.

4. Peppermint Essential Oil

We’re yet to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy the aroma of peppermint. It has a strong sting to it that is both relieving and therapeutic. Thankfully, this oil can be used in a diffuser as well.

By inhalation, it is a pain reliever, but this potency is not lost when diffused, especially if a heat diffuser is not used. Peppermint has very formidable analgesic properties, making it an effective remedy for muscle stiffness, migraines, cramps, and headaches.

Symptoms of the common cold can also be improved by peppermint, so having it serenaded your home is not just freshening goodness, but a great medicinal oil as well.

5. Lavender Oil

This is a popular essential oil used excessively in aromatherapy. It is one of the oils you can add to your diffuser and is a known stress reliever.

They are also sometimes used without a diffuser for massage sessions, especially when mixed with a carrier oil. If you’re looking to relieve your nerves and just relax in the soothing calm of lavender, you may want to add this to your diffuser.

6. Tree Tea Oil

Tree Tea is a growing race in the world of essential oils. As the name implies, they are often sourced from the melaleuca tree and is a great therapy for getting rid of antifungal and antibacterial microorganisms.

If you suffer from head lice or dandruff, or you’re nursing a wound, adding this to a diffuser might just do the magic. It is a suitable oil for use in a diffuser.

7. Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine oil makes our list of essential oils that can be used in a diffuser. Although relatively expensive, they are also quite popular. Jasmine is often considered a soothing aphrodisiac.

It has a sweet scent that is not just a great fragrance, but as a relaxation agent as well. On it’s own, Jasmine oil can be quite strong.

So, if you need it solely for aromatherapy, an extract made from Spanish Jasmine, also known as Jasminum Grandiflorum is a good choice for your diffuser.

8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

We know how disturbing mildew odors can be in your home. To get rid of those, eucalyptus is a great diffuser essential oil choice. It has an inviting scent that is distinctive and refreshing.

Apart from its air freshening benefit, eucalyptus oil is a good way to relieve nasal congestion and cough. Properly produced versions are very suitable for diffusers and humidifiers too.

9. Bergamot Essential Oil

Ever heard of citrus bergamia fruits, a certain hybrid that combines oranges and lemons? This is where the bergamot essential oil comes from.

Diluting with carrier oils is a safe way to use it, as it can cause photosensitivity when used directly on the skin. The diluted version, when used in a diffuser, can alleviate inflammation and pain, reduce stress and soothe the nerves.

Can you use warming oil in a diffuser?

The simple answer is Yes, you can. Like most other oils with the right consistency, you can. However, you should be careful for two reasons.

First, warming oils are not natural plant-based oils like essential oils. They are synthetic and made from chemicals, and sometimes, you may find a gray substance in the base of your device- especially if the alcohol evaporates quickly.

Second, it lacks many of the potent properties that make essential oils therapeutic.

Can you use fragrance oils in diffusers?

We would simply say No. We strongly advise that you simply use a regular spray or apply it wherever you please.

The essence of using a diffuser is to disperse the oil as healthy air that you can breathe in and obtain some health benefits.

Fragrance oils also do not have the best consistency that diffusers require, except if properly filled up with water.

Can you use refresher oil in a diffuser?

Again, the answer is No. It doesn’t make much sense to use a diffuser for an oil that is merely decorative.

Regular sprays can be used for this. Refresher oils are needed to restore and renew or add some decorative fragrance where and when you need them in your home.

Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil vs Warming Oil for Diffuser [ COMPARISON]

	Essential Oil	Fragrance Oil	Warming Oil
Source	Aromatic parts of plants	Synthetic materials and some aromatic plant parts	Synthetic materials and some plant parts
Natural/Synthetic	Natural	Synthetic	Synthetic/Natural
Usage	Diffuser, Aromatherapy, humidifier	Perfumes, room sprays and scented candles	Body spray, perfume, massage oil, room freshener
Pros	Very long lasting, contains natural plant parts, very therapeutic, also comes with good refreshing scents.	Cheap to produce, great imitation for natural oils	Also quite safe, easy to produce at home
Cons	Relatively more pricey may pose side effects to your little ones and your pets	Lacks health benefits, not very long lasting	Also not very long lasting, not as potent as essential oils
Shelf Life	18 months – 15 years	4 – 12 months	6 – 14 months

The above table shows that essential oils are the most suited for diffusers as they exemplify the essence of diffusing oils in the room.

What can I put in my diffuser besides oil?

There are times when you pick up your essential oil bottle only to find it empty. You properly planned to get a replacement earlier in the day but you just didn’t remember.

If you find yourself in that situation, you can use any of the following:

1. Lemon Juice

Just so you know, lemon essential lemons are actually made from real lemons. So, if you run out of essential oils, you may want to consider using lemon juice from lime or lemons.

Simply slice the lemon in half, squeeze out the juice into a bowl and then add some drops to the diffuser’s water.

2. Oil-based Perfumes

Yes, you may decide to use perfumes, as long as you’re not concerned about medical benefits. Oil perfumes can be easily opened up and poured out.

Use oil-based, non-alcoholic perfumes only. Add 3-5 drops of your favorite perfume to the diffuser’s water and let it simmer through your home.

3. E-liquids

E-liquids are the same thing used for e-cigarettes. Ensure you pick a product that is flavorful and without nicotine. Add some quantity to your diffuser water and enjoy.

4. Vanilla Extract

Back to healthy and therapeutic alternatives, the vanilla extract should be a great choice for you. It is great as a skin anti-aging agent and also serves as a good antioxidant.

Simply add some portion into your diffuser water and let it work its magic. Vanilla extract has some amount of ethyl alcohol and may leave some residue after complete evaporation has taken place. If there is, ensure to wipe it off properly.

5. Any other flavor

We have seen people use coffee, strawberry extracts and so on as flavors for their diffusers. You can play around with anything you, please. Just be sure it will not clog your diffuser or cause any future problems for you.

6. Just use water

With water, all you have is a humidifier and not a diffuser. This can help you prevent air dryness and keep your skin fresh and rich all day long.

Final Comments:

Having a diffuser can give you that breath of fresh air we all desire. But this is only possible when your diffuser has the right oil for both decorative and therapeutic benefits. We do hope this post has answered most of the questions you had.