A Guide To Essential Oils Safety
Key takeaway
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances that require careful use, including proper dilution, patch testing, and adherence to safety guidelines. Using high-quality oils is essential, with factors such as purity, correct labelling, dark glass packaging, and appropriate pricing serving as key indicators. Extra caution is needed around children, pets, during pregnancy, and when using phototoxic oils before sun exposure, as improper use may lead to irritation, toxicity, or other adverse effects.
Using Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils are highly concentrated, potent medicines. For example, it takes 100 kg of thyme to produce 200 g of thyme oil, and it takes 60 roses to create one drop of rose otto essential oil. 1 drop of peppermint oil is said to be equivalent to the amount of peppermint oil in 20 – 30 cups of peppermint tea. Essential oils are potent medicines, and if used wisely, they can produce amazing results; however, if used in a careless manner, they can lead to harm.
Following proper essential oil safety guidelines ensures you get the benefits without the risks.
Is My Essential Oil of Good Quality?
Ultimately, the most important aspect of safety when it comes to using essential oils is the quality of the oil that you are using.
So you should look out for:
- Amber/darkened glass bottle to protect from UV rays and sealed to prevent oxidation, as essential oils can degrade plastic over time
- name of the oil as well as Latin name with genus and species
- country of origin
- purity
- recommended usage e.g. topical / diffusion
- directions for use and recommended dilution rates
The scent of the essential is a good indicator of the quality. Pure essential oils should smell strong, concentrated and have a clean scent. It does take some practice; however, once you’ve smelled and used oils of good quality, it only takes a sniff to weed out the poorer oils.
One red flag to look out for when purchasing your essential oils is the price range of the oils. If the oils being sold are in a similar price range, then be wary. Pure essential oils vary greatly in their price. For example, rose essential oil is extremely pricey due to the amount of roses needed to produce one drop of oil.
How to Check for Essential Oil Allergies
Before using any essential oil, it is important that you perform a patch test. This involves putting a small amount of the oil on the skin and if your skin turns red, gets itchy or inflamed, then you may have a sensitivity to the oil, and it is best to stay away from it.
How to Use Essential Oils on Skin: Dilution Chart Guide
Understanding how to use essential oils on skin safely starts with dilution. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin. Use this essential oil safety dilution chart guide as a starting point:
|
Use Case |
Recommended Dilution |
|
Adults (body) |
2–3% (12–18 drops per 30ml carrier oil) |
|
Face / sensitive skin |
1% (6 drops per 30ml) |
|
Children (2–12 yrs) |
0.5–1% (3–6 drops per 30ml) |
|
Pregnancy (safe oils only) |
0.5–1% (3–6 drops per 30ml) |
Essential Oil Photosensitivity
There are certain oils whose primary constituents react to the sun, causing hyperpigmentation, blisters or even burns. These oils include:
• bergamot
• lemon
• lime
• grapefruit (most citrus oils are notoriously phototoxic).
Do not use these oils on your skin if you are going to be exposing yourself to sunlight for at least 12-72 hours post-application. These oils should also be diluted a little more as a precaution.
Oils to Avoid with Children
Some essential oil should not be used on or around children. Infants and children have thinner skin and a less developed immune system. This makes them more vulnerable and susceptible to potential side effects and toxicity. Here is a list of some common essential oils that should not be used on children. For a full list please refer to the article on Essential Oils for Children.
- Basil
- Bay
- Birch Sweet
- Camphor
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon (Bark or Leaf)
- Citronella
- Clove Bud
- Cumin
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
Some oils should be avoided completely for those below the age of 5 years e.g. aniseed and peppermint. Eucalyptus should not be used for children below 10 years of age. If the oil that you intend to use is not on this list, bear in mind the oil should be diluted much more for children.
If you use oils on yourself or at home that your kids may be sensitive to, be sure that your children are not in the vicinity of the diffusing oils, and air the room for about an hour before they enter the room. For topical applications on yourself, allow at least 15-30 minutes for it to evaporate before getting close to your kids.
Oils to Avoid with Pets
Cats are extremely sensitive animals and are more susceptible, as they lack an enzyme in their liver, and have difficulty metabolising and eliminating certain essential oils. These oils include:
- wintergreen
- citrus
- pine
- cinnamon
- ylang -ylang
These oils can cause poisoning in pets. Symptoms that develop from toxicity range from vomiting to liver failure. If you have pets at home, always check whether an essential oil is safe for use around animals before diffusing or applying it.
Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Certain oils contain specific chemical constituents that should be avoided during pregnancy. These are:
- cypress
- cinnamon bark
- tea tree
- sage
- clary sage
The first trimester is the most critical period, and it is probably a good idea to avoid most oils during this time, as you would with most medications and supplements. When you do use them, and there are many that are deemed safe during pregnancy, such as ginger, rose and lavender, make sure they are diluted appropriately. It's always best to check with a qualified healthcare professional first.
For more information, please see How to use essential oils during pregnancy. You can also explore our gentle pillow mist with essential oils range for pregnancy-friendly options.
*The article is for general information only and is not intended as medical advice. Every pregnancy is different, so always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Article by: Dr. Carolyn Goh
Integrated Health Consultant,
BEng., MSc., PhD (DIC)., MBBS
FAQ
What are the basic essential oil safety guidelines?
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin. Never use them undiluted (or never use them neat). A safe general dilution is 2–3% for adults (12–18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil) and 0.5–1% for children, pregnant women, and sensitive skin. Perform a patch test before first use, keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes, and store them in dark glass bottles away from heat and light.
How do you use essential oils on skin safely?
Mix your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil before applying to skin. For body use, a 2–3% dilution is recommended. For the face or sensitive skin, keep it at 1% or lower. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin. This is the most common cause of skin reactions and sensitisation.
Can you use tea tree oil while pregnant?
No. Tea tree oil is on the list of essential oils to avoid during pregnancy, along with cypress, cinnamon bark, sage, and clary sage. These oils contain chemical constituents that may be harmful, especially during the first trimester. If you wish to use essential oils during pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider first and stick to pregnancy-safe options such as ginger, lavender, or rose at a 0.5–1% dilution.
Which essential oils are not safe for children?
Several essential oils should not be used on or around children, including peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove bud, rosemary, sage, and lemongrass. Peppermint and aniseed should be avoided entirely for children under 5. Eucalyptus should not be used for children under 10. Children have thinner skin and a less developed immune system, making them more vulnerable to adverse effects. Always use lower dilutions (0.5–1%) when applying any oil to children.
What is a safe essential oil dilution ratio for skin?
A safe essential oil dilution ratio depends on who is using it and how. For healthy adults applying to the body, 2–3% is standard (roughly 12–18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil). For facial use or sensitive skin, 1% is recommended (6 drops per 30ml). For children aged 2–12 or pregnant women using pregnancy-safe oils, 0.5–1% is the guideline. The higher the dilution percentage, the lower the risk of skin irritation or sensitisation.1
Q: Which essential oils should be avoided around pets?
A: Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils because they lack the liver enzyme needed to metabolise certain compounds. Oils to avoid around cats include wintergreen, citrus oils, pine, cinnamon, and ylang-ylang. These can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to liver failure. When diffusing essential oils at home, ensure the room is well ventilated and that your pet can leave the area freely.
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