doTERRA Oil Basics for New Users
New to doTERRA essential oils? Learn the three simple ways to use them safely, build your first daily routine, and choose the right starter oils for your wellness goals.
By Essential Synergy Team — Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts
You just unboxed your first doTERRA oils, and now you are staring at those little brown bottles wondering what to do next. The direct answer is that there are three beginner-friendly ways to use essential oils: inhale them straight from the bottle or a diffuser, apply them to your skin diluted with a carrier oil, or use them in simple DIY household products. The simplest way to start is to open a bottle of Lavender and take one gentle breath in, that is aromatherapy in its most basic form. For the first few days, commit to trying just one or two oils in one application method so you build confidence without overwhelm. A daily diffuser session in your living room or office is the single habit most beginners credit for sparking their love of oils.
The Three Ways to Use Essential Oils
Every method falls into one of these categories. Memorize them and you will always know what is safe to try next.
1. Aromatic Use
This is the easiest entry point. You breathe the oil’s aroma directly or disperse it into the air. Options include opening the bottle and inhaling, putting a drop on your palms and cupping them over your nose, or using a diffuser. A diffuser is the workhorse of aromatic use, add water per the device’s instructions, then drop in 3 to 6 drops of oil. Turn it on and your room fills with the oil’s natural scent for hours. Wild Orange and Peppermint are two oils that newcomers reach for first in their diffusers.
2. Topical Use
Applying oils directly to your skin requires one extra step: dilution. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, so you mix them with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba, or unscented lotion before they touch your skin. Start with one drop of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil. Rub it onto your arms, neck, or the bottoms of your feet, areas where the skin can absorb well. Deep Blue and Tea Tree are commonly applied topically for targeted use.
3. Internal Use
This method is more advanced. doTERRA labels certain oils as safe for internal consumption when used correctly, look for the Supplement Facts box on the bottle. You might add a drop of Lemon to a glass of water or take DigestZen Softgels as directed. Beginners should get comfortable with aromatic and topical methods first before exploring internal use, and never ingest an oil unless the label explicitly states it is safe to do so.
Building Your First Daily Routine
New habits stick when they are attached to moments already in your day. Here is a simple sequence to try for your first week:
- Morning energy (aromatic): Add 3 drops of Wild Orange to your diffuser while you make coffee or shower.
- Afternoon focus (aromatic or topical): Inhale Peppermint directly from the bottle or apply one drop diluted to the back of your neck.
- Evening wind-down (aromatic): Diffuse Serenity in your bedroom 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Nighttime skin care (topical): Add a drop of Frankincense to your facial moisturizer for a smooth, natural addition to your routine.
What we recommend most often is sticking with this exact routine for five days before swapping in new oils, your nose and body notice subtle differences you would miss if you changed everything daily.
Choosing Your First Oils
Not every oil is equally beginner-friendly. The table below compares three oils newcomers find forgiving and versatile.
Related reading
- doTERRA Starter Kit What's Inside and How to Begin
- How to Use Essential Oils for Skin Care
- How to Use Essential Oils in a Diffuser Effectively
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start using doTERRA essential oils as a beginner?
Begin with one or two versatile oils like lavender or lemon, and learn three basic methods: inhale directly from the bottle, add a drop to a diffuser with water, or dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) for skin application.
Do I need to dilute essential oils before using them on my skin?
Yes, for most topical uses, mix a drop or two of oil with a carrier oil to reduce the risk of skin sensitivity, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using oils like cassia or oregano.
How do I store my doTERRA oils to keep them fresh?
Keep bottles tightly capped in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat, as light and temperature can degrade the oils over time. Avoid storing them in the bathroom or near a stove.