E S S E N T I A L  O I L S

Do Not Use Essential Oils Directly On The Skin       

Essential oils may cause skin irritation. Always use a carrier
oil such as jojoba oil or unscented lotion. Undiluted essential
oils can cause skin irritation and/or a systemic reaction.

If skin irritation or an allergic reaction occurs from using
any oil, stop using it, and immediately apply carrier oil
(any vegetable based oil or jojoba) to the irritated area.
Reapply the carrier oil every few hours. This will reduce the
irritation.

Phototoxic Essential Oils:

Phototoxicity is a skin reaction to sunlight, which can cause
burning and blistering of the skin, exaggerated sunburn and
permanent skin discoloration (abnormally dark patches and
red areas). It can occur 12-24 hours after applying a phototoxic
essential oil to the skin and then having sun exposure. After using
the oils listed below, avoid direct exposure to the sun for 12-24 hours.

In Robert Tisserand’s book, Essential Oil Safety, he has outlined
the oils that are considered Phototoxic: Lemon, Bitter Orange,
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Angelica root, Fig Leaf absolute, Verbena,
Taget, Rue, Opopanax, Cumin, Expressed or cold pressed Lime.

The phototoxic reaction depends on the quantity of essential
oil applied to the skin, the frequency of that application and
sun exposure.

In Robert Tisserand’s book, Essential Oil Safety, he has outlined
the amount of drops of a phototoxic essential oil that can safely
be used in an ounce of carrier oil.

Safe use of phototoxic citrus oils:

Bergamot: 2 drops per ounce of carrier

Lime (cold pressed) 4 drops per ounce

Bitter Orange (cold pressed) 8 drops per ounce

Lemon (cold pressed) 12 drops per ounce

Grapefruit (cold pressed) 24 drops per ounce

Citrus that are not phototoxic: distilled lime and lemon,
cold pressed sweet orange, mandarin, tangelo, tangerine,
and FCF bergamot. Important to be cautious with all citrus as
the furocoumarin content can vary according to type of
expression process.

Note: The information provided on this site is provided for
educational purposes only. Aromatherapy Thymes magazine
and aromatherapythymes.com cannot be responsible for misuse
of essential oils/alternative health remedies or methods discussed.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health professionals.

For more information on safety concerns
please visit - Aromatics International