First things first, you need to know that NOT all essential oils are created equal! I can not stress that point enough. Check out www.seedtoseal.com for the quality guarantee that I trust above all others!
Here are some basics to start with:
Essential oil safety guidelines
While some oils will come with specific safety guidelines to look out for, 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.
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 that is educated in holistic health, functional medicine and essential oils.
The provided guidelines are intended for the U.S. market only.
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