We love essential oils and happily enjoy them wherever we can – at home, at work, or in the car… Each of us has a favorite essential oil that we use more often in our ultrasonic diffuser.

However, if you decide to try something different, such as passive diffusion, you may find that the scents are not as intense. Although passive diffusion is more subtle than other forms of diffusion, it also has its advantages.

What is passive diffusion?

Aroma stone Lotus for passive diffusion Primavera

Passive diffusion offers a much gentler aroma than traditional ultrasonic diffusers. Since nothing actively “pushes” the oils into the air, they evaporate on their own and gently scent the air around them until the aroma is completely dispersed. The passive diffuser is compact and stylish, ideal for smaller spaces such as a desk, bathroom or hotel bedside table. We offer this type of stones in different sizes at MAKASA from the Primavera Life brand.

Passive diffusion is when essential oils evaporate on their own and gently scent the air until the scent is completely dispersed. For this purpose, a special stone is used , onto which the essential oil is dripped. The aroma is released without ultrasound, a fan or heating. Passive diffusion is subtle and is ideal for scenting small spaces – on a desk or bedside table.

This type of diffuser is suitable if…

You prefer more unobtrusive scents.
You like to diffuse at your desk or before bed without disturbing others.
You usually use the same oils.
You should know that passive diffusion is extremely suitable for children and children's room!

Passive vs. Active Diffusion

With active diffusion, usually through an ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser, essential oils are dispersed throughout the air. This type of diffuser can scent larger rooms with your favorite sweet temptation, such as the “Warmth in the Heart” aromatic blend, or the much-needed combination of sensations in the “Harmony” aromatic blend – the floral-soft aroma with rose, orange and geranium has a balancing effect and brings harmony and bliss to your home.

Passive diffusion works much differently, as there is nothing pushing the oils into the air. They evaporate on their own, lightly scenting the air until the scent is completely dissipated.

Advantages of passive diffusion

Since passive diffusion is so subtle, you might wonder why you would use it at all? However, this quality makes it ideal for scenting small spaces like a desk, small bathroom, car, or nightstand. With just a few drops, you can enjoy the aroma of the Concentration blend while you work, or inhale the soothing aromas of the Peaceful Sleep blend before you fall asleep.

Passive diffusion is one of the best ways to enjoy essential oils without worrying about disturbing other people with a scent they don't like. If you are sensitive to certain essential oils, passive diffusion will be a good way to take advantage of the beneficial properties of the oils without them being too irritating to you.

Passive diffusion is a subtle and safer method that we also recommend for children over 6 years old, as it can be applied during learning - for more energy, concentration, or motivation.

Tips for getting the most out of your passive diffuser

Aroma stone for passive diffusion Lava Primavera

It's important to keep your passive diffuser clean. If you have one of our beautiful passive diffusers, a dusting every now and then is enough to keep it looking and working well. Just remember to dust it off before adding new essential oils. To avoid staining the diffuser itself, drip the oil onto the underside of the stone.

You can do a deep clean after using your passive diffuser a few times - just gently wipe the surface with a cotton cloth dipped in diluted apple cider vinegar.

If you want to enjoy the pleasant aromas for longer when passively diffusing essential oils, carrier oils will be very helpful. These heavier oils evaporate the slowest and will last the longest. Aroma blends like Yoga Wave are rich, delightful blends, full of lovely notes, and perfect for passive diffusion. If citrus and floral oils are your favorites, don’t let that stop you! Just know that they will be there for you for a shorter period of time.

Other forms of passive diffusion

Our passive diffuser isn't the only way to enjoy subtle scents in your home. Rattan reed diffusers are another great option! Instead of using undiluted essential oils, they are diluted in an alcohol blend. When the reeds are placed in the bottle, the liquid flows up them and releases the scent into the air. By using the number of reeds you can control the strength of the scent you diffuse. Rattan reed diffusers provide a longer, more lasting, continuous scent.

If you have essential oil but can’t afford a diffuser right now, don’t worry! Passive diffusion is a great alternative to these devices. To passively diffuse essential oil, you can use so many things that are probably just sitting around the house – a tissue, pine cones from your backyard, even a toilet paper roll! As the evaporation process takes place, you will be able to inhale the oil molecules.