Essential Oil Safety: How to Reduce Risk of Secondary Exposure

When safety guidelines talk about avoiding certain essential oils for babies, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, pets, or vulnerable adults, we usually think of direct use. But there’s another important consideration: secondary exposure.

Essential oils that are safe for one person may be toxic for others in your household. Being mindful of secondary exposure allows you to enjoy aromatherapy while reducing unintended risks to the people and animals you care for.

What is Secondary Exposure to Essential Oils?

Secondary exposure can occur when essential oils you are using get transferred to another person or animal or inhaled by them through diffusion into air you share.

Here are some examples:

• Skin-to-skin contact: Essential oils applied to your body can rub off on a child or partner
• Petting or holding animals: Oils on your hands, clothing, or skin can transfer to their fur or be licked and ingested
• Shared surfaces: People or pets may pick up oils from furniture, bedding, or toys that came into contact with your treated skin 
• Airborne exposure: Essential oils can be inhaled from diffusers, candles, or sprays used in spaces that are shared or entered soon after use 
• Clothing and fabrics: Oils can linger on sleeves, socks, scarves, or sleepwear and transfer to others
  

This kind of exposure is easy to overlook, especially when essential oils are used as part of a daily routine.

6 Essential Oil Safety Tips to Reduce Secondary Exposure Risk

Here are some practical steps to lower accidental exposure.

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

After applying essential oil, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any residual oil. This is particularly important before touching children, pets, sensitive adults, or shared items like toys or furniture.

2. Cover Treated Areas

If you've applied essential oil to your skin, cover the area with clothing to minimize contact with others. And check that the oil hasn't seeped through the cloth. 

For example:

• Wear long sleeves or pants if you’ve applied oils to your arms or legs.
• Put on socks or closed-toe shoes after applying oils to your feet.

3. Avoid High-Contact Body Parts

Refrain from applying essential oil to areas that are likely to come into contact with people or pets — such as your hands or forearms — if you'll be holding a baby, petting an animal, or interacting closely with others.

Apply oils to areas less likely to result in transfer, such as the soles of your feet or the back of your neck. 

4. Time Your Application

Apply essential oil at times when you won't be interacting closely with children, pets, or pregnant individuals.

For example,

• If you aren't sleeping with a vulnerable individual or pet, use oils in the evening before bed or early in the morning, giving them time to absorb before interacting with the beings you're protecting. 
• If you are sleeping with a vulnerable individual or pet, avoid using the oils near bedtime. 

Essential oil absorption rates vary depending on the carrier oils used and individual differences. They may begin being absorbed very quickly. It can also take several hours for them to be completely absorbed. 

5. Monitor Diffusion Practices

If using a diffuser, ensure it’s placed in a room that isn’t shared by young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or sensitive adults or pets. 

Use intermittent settings and well-ventilated spaces to reduce the concentration of oils in the air.

6. Store Oils Safely

Keep essential oils and any application tools, such as rollers or droppers, out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental spills or ingestion. Treat these oils like you treat medications. 

Always stay informed about which oils are safe for your household and consult a healthcare or veterinary professional if you have concerns.

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