Safely Using Essential Oils

Discover Safely Using Essential Oils

While essential oils have been used around the world since ancient times, those who are new often wonder: Are essentials oils safe to use? There’s no deep expertise required to safely use essential oils. Armed with healthy caution, label instructions and widely available knowledge, you can enjoy the natural the wealth of benefits these oils have to offer. Now, with the backing of modern science, you can confidently begin to incorporate essential oils in a way that is safe and effective for you and your home.

When it comes to safety, the first step is to find an essential oil company you can trust. Because essential oils can be contaminated or compromised during the extraction process, it’s important to verify sourcing ethics and practices. Those with a strict protocol will produce oils that are consistently authentic, providing you with an experience you can count on.

Once you’ve found an essential oil distributor you can trust, the next safety step will be to dive into the many uses and benefits for each oil you use. Just like with any product you’re introducing to your system, you’ll want to understand the purpose behind the product you’re using, along with recommended application methods. Soon, incorporating essential oils will become second nature!

The Basics Tenants of Essential Oil Safety

There are some general guidelines you should follow for every essential oil that is welcomed into your home.

Do a patch test.

Add one drop of oil to an area of your skin without hair, such as your inner arm. Wait one hour, and if any irritation occurs, dilute the area by adding a carrier oil (see below).

Dilute first.

When applying an essential oil for the first time, we recommend diluting the oil upon the first application to learn how your skin will react. You can dilute your oils by adding one drop of essential oil to every two drops of carrier oil, which is a neutral, plant-derived oil such as coconut or olive oil. For oils that are particularly hot, we suggest diluting with one drop of essential oil to every five drops of carrier oil.

Dilute hot oils.

Some oils have a particularly strong chemistry profile that creates a “hot” sensation on the skin, such as Cinnamon Bark and Oregano. Hot oil warnings can be found on their labels, and these oils should always be diluted before applying them to your skin. To dilute a hot oil, add one drop of oil to every five drops of carrier oil.

Use One Oil at a Time

Only use one new oil at a time to see how your body will react to it. After applying the new oil, wait at least 30 minutes before applying another new one.

Read the labels.

If there’s something specific you need to know, it will be stated on the bottle. Before using a new oil, make sure to read the label for any specific warnings or recommendations.

Avoid certain areas.

Some areas of the body do not react well to essential oils, such as your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin or other sensitive areas.

Check for sun sensitivity.

Some oils, especially citrus ones such as Tangerine, Lime and Grapefruit, can burn the skin when exposed to sun after application. Use these oils when you know your sun exposure will be limited—such as during the evening—and check the label for sun sensitivity warnings before you apply the oil topically. Once a sun-sensitive oil has been applied to the skin, avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours, including tanning beds.

Store them safely.

To avoid accidental ingestion or improper application, essential oils should be stored in a safe place that’s out of reach of children. Because the compounds within the oil can be altered due to excessive light or heat, we suggest storing them in a place that is room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Watch the kids.

Essential oils have many wonderful benefits for children, but because your little ones’ small bodies are still developing, it’s important to always supervise them with essential oils. Before applying any oil topically to a child’s delicate skin, always dilute it. Start by applying the diluted oil to the feet before trying it on other areas.

Consult a health care professional.

If you have any concerns about how essential oils may interact with your body, we highly suggest consulting a health care professional. Consult a health professional about any serious disease or injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for conditions that require professional attention.

How to handle essential oil sensitivity

All bodies are different, and as you begin to explore the different ways essential oils can improve your physical wellness, you may find that some bodies react differently from others. Essential oil sensitives aren’t uncommon, but most can be remedied with a few extra steps! Begin by diluting the oil to see how your body reacts to a lower concentration. For particularly sensitive skin, use half of the recommended concentration for that oil. If your skin is still having negative reactions, you may need to refrain from that particular oil. But don’t fret! Many essential oils contain similar chemical compounds to each other, so if one oil didn’t work, you can easily find a replacement that your skin will love. If you have any concerns or would like additional guidance on using a specific oil, our Member Services team is available to answer any questions.

Are there allergic reactions to essential oils?

When asking whether people can be allergic to essential oils, the answer is a little complicated. Allergic reactions happen when the body comes into contact with a harmless protein that the body identifies as a threat. High-quality essential oils do not contain any proteins, so they don’t cause allergic reactions in the same way one might experience an allergic reaction to peanuts or wheat. If you are experiencing similar symptoms to an allergic reaction after using an essential oil, the molecules in the oil may be causing irritation. These sensitivities are rare, but users should be conscious of their body’s reaction when using a new oil for the first time.

Those with a sensitivity to essential oils may experience:

Pain, swelling or tenderness in the skin
Skin irritation (such as itching, rash or hives)
Difficulty breathing
Upset stomach

Treating a Reaction to Essential Oils

If you’re having any kind of negative reaction after using an essential oil, immediately stop use. For topical reactions, dilute the skin by applying a carrier oil to the affected area. If you inhaled the oil aromatically, turn off the diffuser and go to an area where you can breathe without the presence of the oil, such as another room or outside. For internal use, call our hotline number (1.800.371.3515) for guidance. If the reaction is severe, seek medical attention. Those with an essential oil sensitivity may be able to dilute the oil, use a smaller amount or change their application method in order to avoid negative reactions. For example, they may have a sensitivity to an oil when using it topically but have no reaction when diffusing the same oil. It’s important to start slow, with low quantities, and track which application methods and doses cause a sensitivity.

Removing essential oils from the skin

For those experiencing skin sensitivity after applying an essential oil, it’s important to remove the oil from the skin as soon as possible. To do this, simply apply a carrier oil to the area and gently scrub. The carrier oil will help to “pick up” the essential oil off the skin, which then can be gently wiped off. This may need to be repeated a few times. If you don’t have access to a carrier oil, using soap and water will also do the trick. Apply soap to the affected area, wash and repeat until the area is clean. Let the area air dry and then apply a moisturizer that your skin has reacted well to in the past. Before using that essential oil again, make sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil to possibly avoid future skin sensitivities. .

What are sun-sensitive essential oils?

We love essential oils for the natural compounds found within them; however, some oils contain furanocoumarins, which can greatly increase UV sensitivity. If a sun-sensitive oil is applied to the skin, the application area may have a negative reaction, such as burns or rashes, when exposed to direct sunlight. Sun-sensitive oils should not be applied to the skin if you plan on going into direct sunlight within the next 12 hours; if sun exposure is unavoidable, cover the area where the oil was applied with your clothing to avoid direct sunlight. Sun-sensitive oils will be specified on the product label, so always check before applying to the skin. Some oils have the furanocoumarins removed, making them safe to wear in the sun.

The following Young Living oils and blends are sun sensitive and should be used as directed:

Essential Oil Safety FAQ

Using essential oils can seem complicated and confusing. That’s why we published a page dedicated to answering your questions about essential oil safety. Here are a few answers to questions asked by those who are beginning to learn and use essential oils.

Q. What is a carrier oil?

A. A carrier oil is a neutral, non-aromatic, plant-derived oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc. Carrier oils can be used to dilute essential oils to ensure that they are comfortable and safe for topical application to the skin.

To perform a patch test, apply 1¬–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction. Normally any reactions will occur within 5¬¬–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add a carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed.

Q. What is a "hot" oil?

A. Hot oils are any essential oils that create a hot or warming sensation when applied to the skin. Some examples of hot oils include cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, oregano and thyme. It’s recommended that you use a patch test on these or any new oils you intend to use topically.

Q. What if I experience skin discomfort or irritation after applying an essential oil topically to my skin?

A. If you feel any discomfort or irritation, stop using the essential oil and apply a carrier oil to the affected area. There are some documents that suggest diluting essential oils with water. Unfortunately, water actually drives oil into the skin and eyes. Avoid using water in an attempt to flush the oil off of the skin; this may increase discomfort. If all you have on hand is water, you can use it in place of a carrier oil. In this case, focus on flushing the affected area with a large amount of water with consistent flow. If an essential oil gets in your eye, flush it out using a carrier oil as quickly as possible to alleviate any discomfort. If eye discomfort does not subside within five minutes, seek medical attention.

Q. Can essential oils be applied to sensitive areas?

A. Avoid contacting sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals and mucous membranes with essential oils.

Q. How often can I apply essential oils? How much should I use?

A. Follow the proper usage instructions printed on each essential oil label. Essential oils can be very powerful, so start with a small amount and go slow. Excessive use of essential oils may increase your risk of having an adverse reaction. In most cases, 1–2 drops are adequate—using more may be a waste of the oil. Depending on the essential oil, you can gradually build up to 3¬–4 uses per day, if desired.

Q. Can I use essential oils during pregnancy or when I’m nursing?

A. As with any medical condition, it’s recommended that prior to using essential oils you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage.

Q. Can children use essential oils?

A. Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use.

Q. Should I avoid exposure to the sun after using essential oils?

A. Some essential oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. Any essential oils or blends that contain these compounds should come with a warning to avoid sun or any other UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying.

Q. Should I use essential oils if I have a medical condition? Can essential oils interact with prescription medications?

A. If you have a disease or medical condition or are using a prescription medication, it’s recommended that prior to using an essential oil you consult with a health care advisor who has experience with essential oils. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between any medication and essential oils.

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