Following general dilution guidelines is VERY important in order to avoid adverse skin reactions; however, some essential oils require specific safety precautions and/or have max topical dilution recommendations (which means less than the general dilution ratio of 6 drops per ounce of carrier should be used).

Examples of adverse skin reactions are irritation, phototoxicity, and sensitization. Irritation is localized to the area where the essential oil has been applied. If undiluted essential oil contacts your skin and you experience irritation (i.e. tingling, burning) , immediately apply a carrier oil (not water!) to the area. Phototoxicity is a light-induced reaction to a photoactive essential oil that requires contact then subsequent exposure to ultra-violet (UV) light. In general, citrus oils are phototoxic. Sensitization is an allergic reaction that shows up in places other than where the essential oil was applied. Persons who have allergies to perfumes or who have asthma should proceed cautiously with oils. Patch tests are recommended before using any essential oils.

The following are a few common essential oils known to have safety concerns and/or max topical dilutions:

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), cold pressed - Max topical of 0.4%. Phototoxic reactions such as irritation, redness, or blistering.

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), steam distilled - Max topical of .05%. Not safe topically for children under 2 years. Not safe for pregnancy. Never use if taking aspirin, have bleeding disorders, and before or after surgery. Avoid topically on damaged or broken skin.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), steam distilled - Max topical of .01%. Not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Never use if taking aspirin, have bleeding disorders, and before or after surgery. Avoid topically on damaged or broken skin.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), steam distilled - Max topical of 0.5%. Not safe topically for children under 2 years. Never use if taking aspirin, have bleeding disorders, and before or after surgery.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), steam distilled - Not safe for children under 10 years.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), cold pressed; Lemon (Citrus limon), cold pressed; Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), cold pressed - Phototoxic reactions such as irritation, redness, or blistering.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), solvent extraction - Max topical of .07%. Using more than topical max can cause irritation or sensitization.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), steam distilled - Max topical 0.7%. Not safe topically for children under 2 years. Using more than topical max can cause irritation or sensitization.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), steam distilled - Not safe topically for children under 2 years. Not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Never use if taking aspirin, have bleeding disorders, and before or after surgery.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), steam distilled - Max topical of 5.4%. Not safe topically for children under 6 years. Using more than topical max can cause irritation or sensitization. Never use if have G6PD deficiency or cardiac fibrillation.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima), steam distilled - Not safe for children under 10 years. Not safe for pregnancy. Never use if taking aspirin, have bleeding disorders, and before or after surgery, have salicylate sensitivity, or ADD/ADHD.

I offer essential oil safety classes, individually or in groups! 

Learn more about essential oil safety from The Tisserand Institute by clicking the link below.