Essential oils: how to use them safely
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic substances extracted from the flowers, leaves, bark or fruit peel of plants. They are used for aromatherapy, in cosmetics and to scent the home.
In this article you will learn how to use essential oils safely, how to dilute them and when to be especially careful.
In brief. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so we almost never use them undiluted on the skin. They must not be swallowed.1 Keep them out of the reach of children.
How are essential oils used?
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Diffuser | A few drops in water, following the diffuser's instructions. Ventilate the room. |
| On the skin | Only when diluted with a carrier oil, such as apricot, almond or jojoba oil. |
| Bath | First mix with a carrier oil or milk, as oil does not dissolve in water. |
How do you dilute essential oils?
An essential oil dropped directly onto the skin can irritate it or cause an allergic reaction.23
Example. One millilitre contains about 20 drops. So 2 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of carrier oil make roughly a 1% dilution. Start with a low concentration and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Which carrier oil should you choose? Almost any good-quality, unscented vegetable oil is suitable: apricot kernel, sweet almond, jojoba or grape seed oil. If you are allergic to nuts, it is better not to choose almond oil.
Test first. Before applying to a larger area, apply a little of the diluted oil to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. If redness or itching appears, do not use this oil.
The most popular essential oils
Lavender oil. Most often chosen for its pleasant, calming scent. Some small studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy may help reduce feelings of anxiety, but the evidence is limited.2
Tea tree oil. Often used in skin care products. It can cause skin irritation and allergy, and it is poisonous if swallowed.3
Peppermint oil. Has a fresh scent, but it must not be applied to the face or chest of young children. In young children, menthol can cause breathing problems.4
Citrus oils. Some of them, especially bergamot, can cause a burn-like reaction when applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight.5 After applying to the skin, stay out of the sun for at least several hours.
When should you be careful?
- Children. Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. If a child has swallowed oil, call 112 immediately.1
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Before applying oils to the skin, consult a doctor.1
- Asthma. Strong scents may cause coughing or shortness of breath in some people. Use a diffuser only for short periods and ventilate the room.
- Eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid getting oil in the eyes. If it does get in, rinse the eyes with water, not with oil.
How do you read the label?
- The Latin name of the plant, for example Lavandula angustifolia, helps you know exactly which plant it is.
- “100% pure” or “blend”. In a blend, the essential oil has already been mixed with a carrier oil. It can usually be applied directly to the skin.
- List of allergens. On EU cosmetics labels, some fragrance allergens are listed, such as linalool or limonene.6
Selected essential and carrier oils
Commercial information. The products shown here are available in our shop. This is not a ranking of effectiveness. Before buying, check the composition and instructions for use on the product page.
Essential Oil, Lavender Oil 100% Pure - 10 ml - NOW Foods
100% pure lavender essential oil for aromatherapy. Dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.7
Essential Oil Roll-On, Lavender - 10 ml - NOW Foods
A blend of organic lavender and jojoba oils in a roll-on bottle. Already diluted, so it is convenient to use on the go.8
Essential Oil, Tea Tree Oil - 30 ml - NOW Foods
100% pure tea tree essential oil. The manufacturer suggests using it in a diffuser together with citrus oils. Do not swallow.9
B BIOM 100% Nat. Apricot oil 30ml
Natural apricot kernel oil, suitable as a carrier oil for diluting essential oils. It is absorbed easily and suits all skin types.10
Frequently asked questions
Can essential oils be swallowed?
No. Swallowed essential oils can be poisonous, especially for children.1
How long do essential oils last?
Keep them in a dark bottle, tightly closed and in a cool place. It is better not to use an oil whose scent has changed, as once oxidised it may irritate the skin more.
Are essential oils safe for animals?
Some animals, especially cats, react sensitively to essential oils. If you have animals at home, consult a veterinarian.
Scientific references
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Aromatherapy: What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lavender. nccih.nih.gov
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Tea Tree Oil. nccih.nih.gov
- European Medicines Agency, HMPC. European Union herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum. ema.europa.eu
- Kaddu S, Kerl H, Wolf P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458–461. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.116226
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex III (consolidated version). EUR-Lex
- NOW Foods. Essential Oil, Lavender Oil 100% Pure, 10 ml. Product label.
- NOW Foods. Essential Oil Roll-On, Lavender, 10 ml. Product label.
- NOW Foods. Essential Oil, Tea Tree Oil, 30 ml. Product label.
- B BIOM. 100% natural apricot oil, 30 ml. Product information.
Disclaimer. This article is for information purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Essential oils are not intended to treat diseases. If a skin reaction or breathing problems occur, stop using the product and consult a doctor.
