#unless it's catnip then you're ok | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

urbanspellcraft · 7 years

Note

do you have any information/resources on essential oils? i'm doing research and have conflicting findings on what oils are appropriate for use on skin. some sites say that you should only use food-grade oils if you're gonna use them on the skin but others say that as long as they're diluted in a carrier oil then non-food grade oils (aromatherapy oils i guess???) are safe for the skin (others say that even when diluted certain oils can irritate the skin if exposed to UV) help please?

All of the above is correct, to some extent. Food grade oils are definitely going to be your safest bet if you are going to apply to skin, and even food grade oils you want to dilute if you are going to put them directly on the skin. There are many non food grade essential oils that you can dilute and put on your skin, although there are some oils that even diluted can cause sunburn when exposed to UV or various other issues. Not all essential oils react the same, and everyone has a different sensitivity to them when being applied to skin.

Below are my lists of different oils that may cause various sensitivities. Also you should always dilute essential oils before putting them on your skin. You should also do your own research on all of these before using them, don’t rely on my lists. ;)

Essential Oils That Can Cause Photosensitivity

Generally avoid citrus oils & the sun together, they will increase your chances of sunburn by quite a bit, even when diluted.

Angelica

Bergamont *verydominant photosensitizer*

Grapefruit

Lemon

Lime

Orange

Tangerine

Wild Orange

Potentially Hazardous Essential Oils

Below oils shouldn’t be used in aromatherapy unless directed by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Just because an oil isn’t on this list doesn’t mean its safe. [source]

Ajowan

Arnica

Bitter Almond

Boldo Leaf

Calamus

Camphor, Brown

Camphor, Yellow

Deertongue

Garlic

Horseradish

Jaborandi

Melilotus

Mugwort

Mustard

Onion

Pennyroyal

Rue

Sassafras

Spanish Broom

Sweet Birch

Thuja

Wormseed

Wormwood

Essential Oils That Are More Likely To Cause Skin Sensitizing

Skin sensitizing is when an essential oil is applied to the skin and even when diluted will typically cause blotchiness, itching, a rash or even blistering may occur. These oils are more likely to cause skin sensitizing then other oils. [source] [source]

Essential Oils Appearing on the Hazardous Oils List

Anise

Bay Laurel

Benzoin

Cassia

Catnip

Cinnamon, Bark

Cinnamon, Leaves

Citronella

Clove

Costus

Elecampane

Fennel, Bitter

Lemongrass

Litsea Cubeba

Melissa

Oakmoss

Peru Balsam

Pine

Star Anise

Tagetes

Essential Oils That Are More Likely To Cause Skin Irritation

These oils are just more likely to cause irritation in general. [source] [source]

Essential Oils Appearing on the Hazardous Oils List

Essential Oils Appearing on the Skin Sensitizing List

Allspice

Basil

Bay Laurel

Benzoin

Birch

Black Pepper

Cassia

Cinnamon, Bark

Cinnamon, Leaves

Clove

Fennel

Fir Needle

Ginger

Lemon

Lemongrass

Lemon Verbana

Oregano

Parsley

Peppermint

Pimento Berry

Pine

Sage, Dalmation

Spruce

Tagetes

Thyme

Red Thyme

Wintergreen

One more list, I’m not quite done. ;)

People With Sensitive Skin Should Be Careful When Using

Basil

Bay

Benzoin

Birch

Black pepper

Cassia

Cinnamon

Citronella

Clove

Costus

Cumin

Elecampane

Fennel

Fir

Ginger

Lemon

Lemongrass

Lemon verbena

Melissa

Oak moss

Orange

Oregano

Parsley seed

Peppermint

Pimento berry

Pine

Tagetes

Red and wild thyme

Wintergreen

You are at a higher risk of irritation with those above. [source]

Now please keep in mind, I am not an aromatherapist and not an expert, this is all information just gathered from my own research. Always dilute your oils and never ingest them. These may not be complete lists.