Dermal Limits for Essential Oils

The dermal limit refers to the maximum concentration of an essential oil that is considered safe for direct application to the skin. This limit is determined through clinical data and research assessing the skin’s reaction to contact with the oil.

 

Essential oils offers therapeutic benefits, but must be used with care, especially for topical applications. Determine safe dermal limits for essential oils to avoid irritation, sensitization, or adverse reactions. Dermal limits refer to the maximum concentration of essential oils safely applied to the skin. The chemical composition of the oil, individual skin sensitivity, and the application area influence these limits.

 

General Rule of Thumb

Dilution ratios: A standard safe dilution for most people is 2 to 3 percent for body application (approximately 12-18 drops of eo per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil).

Sensitive skin or facial use: Keep the dilution between 0.5 and 1 percent (3-6 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

Children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals: Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner and use lower dilutions (0.25 - 1 percent) as these groups tend to have more sensitive skin.

 

Factors Affecting Dermal Limits

 

Chemical Composition

Some constituents like phenols (e.g., in cinnamon or clove oils) or aldehydes (e.g., in citral-containing oils) can cause skin irritation.

Look up the chemical profile of the oil using trusted resources like safety guidelines from IFRA (International Fragrance Association) or Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety recommendations.

 

Phototoxicity

Citrus oils like bergamot, and lime contain furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic reactions when your skin is exposed to sunlight after application. Find Bergamot FCF (Furocoumarin Free) essential oil, that the furanocoumarin bergapten has been removed. This will reduces the risk of photosensitivity when used in skincare or other applications. It is a safer alternative for use on skin, especially in situations where sun exposure is a concern. 

Citrus oil which are NOT phototoxic include:  Lime (distilled, not expressed), Lemon (distilled, not expressed), Mandarin (expressed), Orange (sweet, expressed), Tangerin (expressed)
 

Individual Allergy or Sensitivity

Conduct a patch test. Dilute the oil to 1 percent, apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm, and wait until 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

 

Area of Application

Thinner skin areas (face, neck): Use lower dilutions.

No more than 1% for facial leave-on products, 0.5% for lip balm, and 0,1% for the area around the eyes.

Larger, less sensitive areas (back, legs): higher dilutions may be better tolerated.

 

Guidelines for Common Essential Oils

Here are the maximum dermal limits (by percentage) of some widely-used essential oils:

Peppermint: 5.4%

Lemongrass: 0.7% (potential skin irritant)

Tea Tree: 15%

Lavender: Safe for up to 100% but generally used at lower dilutions for practicality

Eucalyptus (globulus): 20%

Sweet Orange: 2-5% (use caution due to potential oxidation)

Clove Bud: 0.5% (due to high phenol content)

Cinnamon Bark: 0.07% (extremely potent and irritating)

Bergamot (cold-pressed): 0.4% (phototoxic)

 

Best Practices for Safe Use

Never apply neat (undiluted) essential oils to the skin unless under professional guidance.

Old or oxidized oils are more likely to cause skin irritation. Use fresh oils stored in a cool, dark place.

Dilute oils in carriers like coconut oil, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.

For specific conditions or sensitive populations, seek guidance from an aromatherapist or healthcare provider.

Essential oils offers therapeutic benefits, but must be used with care, especially for topical applications. Determine safe dermal limits for essential oils to avoid irritation, sensitization, or adverse reactions. Dermal limits refer to the maximum concentration of essential oils safely applied to the skin. The chemical composition of the oil, individual skin sensitivity, and the application area influence these limits.

 

General Rule of Thumb

Dilution ratios: A standard safe dilution for most people is 2 to 3 percent for body application (approximately 12-18 drops of eo per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil).

Sensitive skin or facial use: Keep the dilution between 0.5 and 1 percent (3-6 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

Children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals: Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner and use lower dilutions (0.25 - 1 percent) as these groups tend to have more sensitive skin.

 

Factors Affecting Dermal Limits

 

Chemical Composition

Some constituents like phenols (e.g., in cinnamon or clove oils) or aldehydes (e.g., in citral-containing oils) can cause skin irritation.

Look up the chemical profile of the oil using trusted resources like safety guidelines from IFRA (International Fragrance Association) or Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety recommendations.

 

Phototoxicity

Citrus oils like bergamot, and lime contain furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic reactions when your skin is exposed to sunlight after application. Find Bergamot FCF (Furocoumarin Free) essential oil, that the furanocoumarin bergapten has been removed. This will reduces the risk of photosensitivity when used in skincare or other applications. It is a safer alternative for use on skin, especially in situations where sun exposure is a concern. 

Citrus oil which are NOT phototoxic include:  Lime (distilled, not expressed), Lemon (distilled, not expressed), Mandarin (expressed), Orange (sweet, expressed), Tangerin (expressed)
 

Individual Allergy or Sensitivity

Conduct a patch test. Dilute the oil to 1 percent, apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm, and wait until 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

 

Area of Application

Thinner skin areas (face, neck): Use lower dilutions.

No more than 1% for facial leave-on products, 0.5% for lip balm, and 0,1% for the area around the eyes.

Larger, less sensitive areas (back, legs): higher dilutions may be better tolerated.

 

Guidelines for Common Essential Oils

Here are the maximum dermal limits (by percentage) of some widely-used essential oils:

Peppermint: 5.4%

Lemongrass: 0.7% (potential skin irritant)

Tea Tree: 15%

Lavender: Safe for up to 100% but generally used at lower dilutions for practicality

Eucalyptus (globulus): 20%

Sweet Orange: 2-5% (use caution due to potential oxidation)

Clove Bud: 0.5% (due to high phenol content)

Cinnamon Bark: 0.07% (extremely potent and irritating)

Bergamot (cold-pressed): 0.4% (phototoxic)

 

Best Practices for Safe Use

Never apply neat (undiluted) essential oils to the skin unless under professional guidance.

Old or oxidized oils are more likely to cause skin irritation. Use fresh oils stored in a cool, dark place.

Dilute oils in carriers like coconut oil, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.

For specific conditions or sensitive populations, seek guidance from an aromatherapist or healthcare provider.