Summer Essential Oil Safety

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends. We know many of you will be relaxing at the pool, enjoying family barbecues, spending time in the mountains or at the beach, and more. We want you and your family to stay safe this summer by using essential oils in the most effective ways possible.

General Essential Oil Safety

1. Always check the label. Each essential oil has specific usage directions. Read the label and follow directions closely, especially if you’re trying an essential oil for the first time. Several essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil. For your convenience, many of the most popular doTERRA products are prediluted with a carrier oil in our Touch^® line. Peppermint Touch is a summer favorite because of its cooling effects on the skin. When applying an essential oil to your face, avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or ears.
2. Safely store essential oils. With school out, children have more time at home. They’re often bored and like exploring the space around them. Keep your essential oils in a safe place that’s out of the reach of children. Remind your younger children that essential oils should only be used with a parent. A great way to include your kids is to let them pick the essential oils you diffuse. The uplifting or calming scents that fill your home can contribute to a positive atmosphere and help dispel any hard feelings.

Outdoor Essential Oil Safety

The sun is incredibly inviting, boosting your day when you go outside and get that natural vitamin D. However, you should be aware some of your family’s favorite citrus oils shouldn’t be applied topically before direct exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation makes up about 10% of sunlight. When it encounters certain substances, it starts a series of chemical and biological reactions. This immune system reaction is known as photosensitization. Some essential oils contain organic compounds known as furocoumarins, which make some people’s skin more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause free radicals to form, damaging cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins and resulting in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation—much like a sunburn. More extreme exposure may cause hives or burns. Continue reading to find out which essential oils, blends, and products to be aware of.

Photosensitive Essential Oils

For the safety and convenience of our customers, we’ve assembled some of the essential oils and blends that are photosensitive into a list. Know that this isn’t an exhaustive list—other essential oils, blends and products can pose a risk for photosensitivity. You should always read the label of an essential oil before you use it.

For all photosensitive essential oils, avoid sunlight and UV rays for at least 12 hours after application.

AromaTouch^®
Bergamot
doTERRA Breathe^®
doTERRA Cheer^®
Citrus Bliss^®
Cumin
Elevation
doTERRA Forgive^®
Grapefruit
InTune^®
Kumquat
Lemon
Lime
doTERRA Motivate^®
doTERRA On Guard^®
Purify
Slim & Sassy^®
Sunny Citrus
Tangerine
Wild Orange
Zendocrine^®

For more information about photosensitivity and essential oils, watch our video with Dr. Amy Wolthoff, Dermatologist.