Essential Oil Safety | Common Allergens | Possible Interactions
Essential oils are concentrated volatile and aromatic plant compounds. They are collected by pressing fresh plant material or distillation. While essential oils can be extremely beneficial for a host of skin concerns and common ailments, they should be used with caution. Just because something is natural, does not mean that is is "safe." Poison Ivy is natural as is mace.
Very careful consideration has been taken when formulating each product in our line. Below is some information about some essential oils we either use or explicitly avoid. I will talk about why, as well as offer some info for dilution ratios and oils to avoid when making your own DIY creations.
COMMON ALLERGENS
Coconut (Tree Nut) - Fractionated Coconut Oil will not clog pores like Virgin Coconut Oil, but can still cause allergy issues in those with tree nut allergies.
Shea Butter (Tree Nut) - Very very unlikely to clog pores, but can still cause allergy issues in those with tree nut allergies. If you struggle with closed comedones (whiteheads) avoid more solid oils like Shea, Mango, Cocoa Butter, and Cupuacu Butter.
Argan Oil (Tree Nut) - This is another oil that must be used sparingly if you have acne-prone skin.
Mango Butter (Tree Nut) - Mango is related to Cashew.
Witch Hazel - some people develop allergies to this herb, while I have not had this happen, I do understand that this is possible, so it is on the list. If you are having an unknown allergy issue and cannot isolate the cause, maybe it is the Witch Hazel. Some witch hazel can be drying and may cause issues over time by damaging the lipid layer. I do use Witch Hazel in my line, but I also offer several other options. Rose Hydrosol is a great option for those nervous about Witch Hazel.
SALICYLATES - If you have ever heard of salicyilic acid, you are familiar with salicylates. These compounds are naturally occuring, much like how Aspirin can be naturally-derived from willow bark. These compounds can be beneficial for pain and inflammation as well as acne, but should be avoided if you have blood pressure issues, pregnancy, or liver issues. Sweet Birch contains salicylates and should be used sparingly. I use this essential oil in very select places and list it clearly.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE NOT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY OR WHILE NURSING
Probably also smart to avoid these if you are trying to get pregnant. I am not a doctor, and I am not diagnosing, treating, or attempting to cure. This information is provided for information purposes only, always consult a physician about medical issues.
This is IN NO WAY a comprehensive list, but I will add to it as often as I get new info.
Aniseed (Pimpinella Anisum)
Sweet Birch (Betula Lenta)
Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
Camphor (Cinnamonium Camphora)
Hyssop
Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris)
Parsely Seed or Leaf
Penny Royal (Mentha Pulgium)
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare)
Tarragon
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Rosemary Essential Oil, especially in medicinal quantities, is considered dangerous during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The "Rosemary Extract" used in our products is used at between .25% - 1% and is the Co2 extract. This antioxidant helps keep the oils fresh without the fridge. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have allergies to Rosemary; you can custom order items without.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE NOT SUN SAFE | AVOID USE FOR 12 HOURS BEFORE SUN
Some essential oils are Photo-sensitizing, or make your skin more prone to burning in the sun. Most of these essential oils are pressed citrus fruits. If you use any of these in your skincare, you NEED to be wearing SPF.
Grapefruit (low risk, especially when using Pink Grapefruit)
Angelica Root
Bergamot
Cumin
Expressed Lemon, Lime, Bitter Orange
Rue
CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE SUN SAFE
Beraptene-Free Bergamot
Distilled Lemon, Lime
Sweet Orange
Mandarin
Tangerine
Expressed Tangerine
Yuzu
USING RETIN-A? Avoid mixing essential oils and retinol, especially oils like Cajeput, Cumin, and other essential oils commonly used for acne.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT MAY CAUSE IRRITATION IN SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS
Bay
Cinnamon Bark / Leaf
Clove Bud
Citronella
Lemongrass
Lemon Verbena
Oregano
Tagetes
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT MAY CAUSE SENSITIZATION
Cassia
Cinnamon Bark
Peru Balsam
Verbena Absolute
Tea Absolute
Oxidized Citrus Essential Oils
A NOTE FROM BEAR (OUR FORMULATOR) ON ESSENTIAL OILS WE AVOID
When it comes to essential oils, it seems like everyone and their Auntie has some connection to an MLM or has an "essential oil person." The problem with many of these companies becomes the lack of customer education. For example, Sweet Birch is very high is naturally occurring salyicates, like those found in aspirin. These thin the blood and are processed through the liver. If you have liver damage, too much Sweet Birch can cause health issues very similar to too much aspirin.
Many Citrus Oils smell great, but can make your skin more prone to burning and even cause oxidative stress when combined with UV light or when they are oxidized.
Lavender, Chamomile, and Yarrow can cause irritation in many people, but it happens slowly, making it hard to identify. Lavender + Tea Tree are also being looked at as endocrine disruptors.
I spent 25 years of my life with migraines so bad that they finally prescribed me pain medication when none of the traditional "medicine" worked. I took my health into my own hands and started eliminating things from my diet and life. Artificial fragrances turned out to be what was causing my migraines. I had been daily showering myself in body sprays, expensive perfume, and a host of scented products. I was surrounded by air fresheners, car fresheners, and cologne. It has been almost seven years since I first discovered my migraines were caused by artificial fragrance. Now, I can literally inhale any essential oil and not get a migraine. Some of them stink or smell string, but no essential oil has ever given me a migraine.
I say that, only to say; while I take every precaution to try to ensure you have a positive experience with natural skincare, life happens. So please do your allergy patch test, be patient, and if you are allergic to an ingredient, don't use it and message me about alternatives. There are always options, so we can find something that works for you!
Very careful consideration has been taken when formulating each product in our line. Below is some information about some essential oils we either use or explicitly avoid. I will talk about why, as well as offer some info for dilution ratios and oils to avoid when making your own DIY creations.
COMMON ALLERGENS
Coconut (Tree Nut) - Fractionated Coconut Oil will not clog pores like Virgin Coconut Oil, but can still cause allergy issues in those with tree nut allergies.
Shea Butter (Tree Nut) - Very very unlikely to clog pores, but can still cause allergy issues in those with tree nut allergies. If you struggle with closed comedones (whiteheads) avoid more solid oils like Shea, Mango, Cocoa Butter, and Cupuacu Butter.
Argan Oil (Tree Nut) - This is another oil that must be used sparingly if you have acne-prone skin.
Mango Butter (Tree Nut) - Mango is related to Cashew.
Witch Hazel - some people develop allergies to this herb, while I have not had this happen, I do understand that this is possible, so it is on the list. If you are having an unknown allergy issue and cannot isolate the cause, maybe it is the Witch Hazel. Some witch hazel can be drying and may cause issues over time by damaging the lipid layer. I do use Witch Hazel in my line, but I also offer several other options. Rose Hydrosol is a great option for those nervous about Witch Hazel.
SALICYLATES - If you have ever heard of salicyilic acid, you are familiar with salicylates. These compounds are naturally occuring, much like how Aspirin can be naturally-derived from willow bark. These compounds can be beneficial for pain and inflammation as well as acne, but should be avoided if you have blood pressure issues, pregnancy, or liver issues. Sweet Birch contains salicylates and should be used sparingly. I use this essential oil in very select places and list it clearly.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE NOT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY OR WHILE NURSING
Probably also smart to avoid these if you are trying to get pregnant. I am not a doctor, and I am not diagnosing, treating, or attempting to cure. This information is provided for information purposes only, always consult a physician about medical issues.
This is IN NO WAY a comprehensive list, but I will add to it as often as I get new info.
Aniseed (Pimpinella Anisum)
Sweet Birch (Betula Lenta)
Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
Camphor (Cinnamonium Camphora)
Hyssop
Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris)
Parsely Seed or Leaf
Penny Royal (Mentha Pulgium)
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare)
Tarragon
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Rosemary Essential Oil, especially in medicinal quantities, is considered dangerous during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The "Rosemary Extract" used in our products is used at between .25% - 1% and is the Co2 extract. This antioxidant helps keep the oils fresh without the fridge. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have allergies to Rosemary; you can custom order items without.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE NOT SUN SAFE | AVOID USE FOR 12 HOURS BEFORE SUN
Some essential oils are Photo-sensitizing, or make your skin more prone to burning in the sun. Most of these essential oils are pressed citrus fruits. If you use any of these in your skincare, you NEED to be wearing SPF.
Grapefruit (low risk, especially when using Pink Grapefruit)
Angelica Root
Bergamot
Cumin
Expressed Lemon, Lime, Bitter Orange
Rue
CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE SUN SAFE
Beraptene-Free Bergamot
Distilled Lemon, Lime
Sweet Orange
Mandarin
Tangerine
Expressed Tangerine
Yuzu
USING RETIN-A? Avoid mixing essential oils and retinol, especially oils like Cajeput, Cumin, and other essential oils commonly used for acne.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT MAY CAUSE IRRITATION IN SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS
Bay
Cinnamon Bark / Leaf
Clove Bud
Citronella
Lemongrass
Lemon Verbena
Oregano
Tagetes
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT MAY CAUSE SENSITIZATION
Cassia
Cinnamon Bark
Peru Balsam
Verbena Absolute
Tea Absolute
Oxidized Citrus Essential Oils
A NOTE FROM BEAR (OUR FORMULATOR) ON ESSENTIAL OILS WE AVOID
When it comes to essential oils, it seems like everyone and their Auntie has some connection to an MLM or has an "essential oil person." The problem with many of these companies becomes the lack of customer education. For example, Sweet Birch is very high is naturally occurring salyicates, like those found in aspirin. These thin the blood and are processed through the liver. If you have liver damage, too much Sweet Birch can cause health issues very similar to too much aspirin.
Many Citrus Oils smell great, but can make your skin more prone to burning and even cause oxidative stress when combined with UV light or when they are oxidized.
Lavender, Chamomile, and Yarrow can cause irritation in many people, but it happens slowly, making it hard to identify. Lavender + Tea Tree are also being looked at as endocrine disruptors.
I spent 25 years of my life with migraines so bad that they finally prescribed me pain medication when none of the traditional "medicine" worked. I took my health into my own hands and started eliminating things from my diet and life. Artificial fragrances turned out to be what was causing my migraines. I had been daily showering myself in body sprays, expensive perfume, and a host of scented products. I was surrounded by air fresheners, car fresheners, and cologne. It has been almost seven years since I first discovered my migraines were caused by artificial fragrance. Now, I can literally inhale any essential oil and not get a migraine. Some of them stink or smell string, but no essential oil has ever given me a migraine.
I say that, only to say; while I take every precaution to try to ensure you have a positive experience with natural skincare, life happens. So please do your allergy patch test, be patient, and if you are allergic to an ingredient, don't use it and message me about alternatives. There are always options, so we can find something that works for you!
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