Rubber droppers Vs. plastic reducers

Why isn’t the oil packed in a bottle with a dropper?

A rubber bulb dropper
A rubber bulb dropper

Theoretically, it could have been a good idea, but the droppers have a rubber bulb (the part on top), and it is not advised to have rubber come in contact with essential oils. In the long run, the fumes from the oil would disintegrate the rubber and ruin the aroma. Most essential oil experts prefer using a clear plastic reducer that also acts as a dropper, and is not affected by the oil.

A plastic reducer
A plastic reducer

Essential oil professionals have no problem waiting patiently for a drop of oil, and are used to counting drops, so plastic reducers became an industry standard in that field. For cooks, this may require some getting used to, but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

if you want to use a glass dropper with a rubber head, it’s possible. You’ll need to remove the plastic reducer from the bottle, draw some oil with the glass dropper, use the amount you need, pour the rest back into the bottle, and then place the reducer back in place in order to protect the oil from evaporation.

Reducer plugged in
Reducer plugged in

Make sure the reducer is plugged all the way into the bottle – you’ll need to press it hard into the bottle’s neck. After using the dropper, soak it in warm soapy water for at least ½ an hour, and then wash thoroughly with water. Alternatively, you can wash it with 70% alcohol. Keep the dropper in a clean place and don’t insert a dirty dropper into the oil.

Reducer unplugged
Reducer unplugged

If you want to dilute the oil while cooking, you can use any kind of oil.

If you bought the pure (100%) oil and you want to dilute it yourself, use only organic cold pressed oils.Other types might ruin the essential qualities of the oil.

It’s recommended to dilute the pure oil – you can decide how concentrated you want it to be – but the base oil will protect the aromatic oil and make the aroma last longer.