Can you use essential oils neat on your skin? - Claire Blackie Aromatherapy (2024)

FAQs

Can you use aromatherapy essential oils on skin? ›

Essential oils have a variety of health benefits, from skin care to stress relief. The most common way to use essential oils is to inhale them, either directly out of the bottle or by using a diffuser or humidifier. You can also dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply it directly your skin.

Undiluted oils are too strong to use straight. You'll need to dilute them, usually with vegetable oils or creams or bath gels, to a solution that only has a little bit -- 1% to 5% -- of the essential oil. Exactly how much can vary.

It is therefore important that essential oils are stored securely in a child-resistant container and kept out of reach of children. The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn.

And a lot of you have probably heard a friend or loved one say that it was completely safe as long as the oils you're using are 100% pure. Well, we're here to tell you that applying essential oils undiluted (also known as “neat”) is not only wasteful but can actually be detrimental to your skin or overall well being.

Citrus oils, including lemon, orange and bergamot, are particularly dangerous, as they can be phototoxic, meaning they react to UV light and can cause skin to burn and blister. Cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint and jasmine oils are also known to cause irritation.

You can also apply them topically—just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil before application. With most oils you can dispense a few diluted drops on your skin. With others you'll want to add them to your favourite lotion, cream or bath gel.

Using pure essential oils on your skin without diluting them can cause irritation and skin damage. If you want to use essential oils for large topical applications, such as a massage, it's better to dilute it to a 1% solution. To do so, use just 1 drop of pure essential oil for every 1 tsp (4.93 mL) of carrier oil.

Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create a soothing soak.

Essential oils must be diluted before use on the skin to ensure proper safety. Less is always more when learning how to dilute essential oils. Carrier oils are the most popular ingredient for dilution. Always carry out a patch test before applying any oil onto your skin.

“Some essential oils may be more irritating than others, so it's important to do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns,” says Los Angeles area dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D. The only undisputed truth: You should never apply undiluted essential oils to your skin.

How do you know if essential oils are safe for your skin? ›

Before using the oils, place a small amount of diluted essential oils on your skin — say on your forearm — and wait 24 hours to check for an allergic reaction. Many citrus essential oils like lemon, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, and lemongrass may cause a skin irritation when exposed to ultraviolet light.

With the exception of Lavender Essential Oil and Tea Tree Essential Oils, most essential oils in their stand-alone state are too strong to be applied directly to the skin. However, even when using essential oils undiluted, it's essential to do a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions.

Both topical and neat refer to applying essential oils to the skin. ​ Neat means undiluted (straight from the bottle, not mixed with anything else), and is generally recommended only for application on the bottoms of the feet. ​

Unlike essential oils, aroma oils are manufactured scents. Often pertained to as perfume oils, these fragrances contain artificial substances that mimic natural scents. They're also created to invoke feelings, such as a summer's day or spring rain.

Should anyone avoid aromatherapy? Pregnant women, people with severe asthma, and people with a history of allergies should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with the full knowledge of their doctors. Pregnant women and people with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil.

When used properly and in appropriate dilutions, aromatherapy facials are generally safe. However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to specific essential oils. Always perform a patch test and consult a professional if you have any concerns.

doTERRA Breathe essential oil blend can be used both aromatically and topically to help minimize the effects of seasonal threats. This powerful blend can also be used to promote peaceful sleep.