Skin Patch Tests help us narrow down a potential sensitivity or allergy to one or more essential oils in a blend. I recommend using them if you’re returning to using essential oils after a long break, like we see with multiple chemical sensitivities, and when you’re introducing a new-to-you essential oil to your wellness plan.

To do a skin patch test you will need:

  • an adhesive bandaid (latex free)
  • a carrier oil
  • an essential oil
  • a small measuring cup (like this glass one from Amazon or these disposable ones)

In this video I use Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) as an example. I want a general dilution for a healthy adult which would be 2%. For the purposes of the patch test we want to double that amount, bringing it to 4%. I’ve diluted 4 drops of Clary Sage in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of Grapeseed oil and applied it to the inner arm and covered it with a bandaid.

Get the Skin Patch Test Instruction (PDF) Handout: