Aromatherapy Essential Oil Safety Tips: What You Need to Know

Are you wondering how to use aromatherapy safely? Are essential oils safe for newborns, infants, or children? What essential oils to avoid during pregnancy? What essential oils are safe for cats and dogs? 

Essential oil aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for relaxation, wellness, and self-care, but the oil's potency requires careful handling. From proper dilution techniques to safety tips for children, pets, and pregnant women, this guide provides essential info to help you use aromatherapy with confidence.

Discover how to protect your loved ones while enjoying the benefits of these concentrated plant extracts.

 

 What's In This Post

Essential Oil Benefits: A Quick Overview

Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safety Guide: 10 Tips

1. Always Dilute Before Applying to Skin

2. Watch for Skin Irritations and Negative Side-Effects

3. Use with Care Around Kids, Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women, Vulnerable Adults & Pets

4. Avoid Getting Too Much of a Good Thing

5. Diffuse Essential Oils Safely

6. Don't Ingest Unless Directed by Professional

7. Don't Add Concentrated Oils Directly to Bath

8. Beware of Increased Sun Sensitivity

9. Store Oils Properly

10. Check for EO-Medication Interactions

Is Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safe for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Is Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safe for Newborns, Infants, Children?

Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Overexposure: A Cautionary Tale

Are Essential Oils Bad for Pets, Including Cats, Dogs?

Minimizing Risk of Secondary Essential Oil Exposure

Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Stress Self-Care Guide Book

 

Note: This post is a sharing of information. It is not medical advice. It is always advisable to check with your healthcare providers for personalized recommendations. 

 

Essential Oil Benefits: A Quick Overview

Essential oil (EO) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Extracted from plants, these concentrated oils offer a wide range of benefits, backed by both historical use and modern research.

Before we get into talking about how to use EO safely, let's take a minute to talk about how they help.

Here are some of the key advantages of incorporating essential oils into your wellness routine. (Each benefit is linked to related research.)

1. Stress relief and relaxation
2. Improved sleep quality
3. Boost energy
4. Lift mood
5. Pain reduction
6. Reduce depression and lift mood
7. Improve memory 

 

Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safety Guide: 10 Tips

While EOs can be a great addition to your self-care toolbox, there are some cautionary tips to keep in mind to ensure their safe and effective use. These potent plant extracts are highly concentrated and require thoughtful handling.

Here’s what you need to know before incorporating aromatherapy oils into your routine.

 

 

1. Always Dilute Before Applying to Skin

Essential oils should never be applied topically to the skin without dilution.

This is from The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA):

"The essential oil in a bottle is 50-100 times more concentrated than that in the plant and safety issues apply to essential oils that may not apply to the whole plant or herbal extract."

Always mix concentrated EO with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, before using topically to avoid irritation or burns.

 

 

 

2. Watch for Skin Irritations and Negative Side-Effects

Avoid putting oils (including those diluted in carrier oil) on sensitive areas, including in your nose, inner ear, or eyes, or on damaged skin.

Allergic reactions to essential oils used in proper dilutions are rare, but even natural products can have negative side effects in some individuals.

Test by applying a little diluted lotion or oil to a small area and wait about 24 hours to monitor for any sensitivity. 

Skin reactions can show up as a rash, redness, burning, itching, or hives.

What if you have eye, nose, or skin reaction to essential oils? Get answers on the Tisserand Institute Essential Oils FIRST AID PROCEDURES page.

 

3. Use with Care Around Kids, Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women, Vulnerable Adults, and Pets

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree, can pose risks to children or be toxic to pets.

Experts advise against exposure to EO in general by infants and toddlers. They also suggest extra caution with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, elderly adults, and people dealing with chronic or serious illness.

Risks to these groups aren't limited to direct use. Harm can also come from them inhaling diffused droplets in the air or through secondary exposure—such as pets or young children absorbing oils from your skin after application. 

In the sections that follow this list, I’ll outline specific aromatherapy guidelines tailored to protect children, pets, new moms, and other sensitive groups.

 

4. Avoid Getting Too Much of a Good Thing

Can you overuse essential oils? Yes.

Even diluted EO can add up if used too often for too long.

Overusing these potent plant extracts can lead to unintended side effects, including skin irritation, headaches, nausea, or hormone imbalances.

For a real-world example, check out Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Overexposure: A Cautionary Tale section later in this post to learn more about the potential effects of prolonged daily use.

Remember, essential oils work best when used sparingly and mindfully.

 

5. Diffuse Essential Oils Safely

 

 

Staying on the theme of too much of a good thing, there are some important precautions when diffusing EO:

• Do place the diffuser in a well-ventilated area.

• Don't diffuse if there is a newborn, infant, or toddler around.

• Don't diffuse oils contraindicated for pregnant or nursing moms, or pets if they are in the vicinity, or will be in the vicinity before the air clears. 

• Do practice intermittent diffusion: diffuse for 30-60 minutes and take a break for 30-60 minutes.  

"With continuous diffusion, while benefits do not increase, there is evidence that the body becomes stressed in various ways." --Robert Tisserand

 

6. Don't Ingest Unless Directed by Professional

What essential oils are safe to ingest? None, unless you are under the supervision of a medical professional.

EOs are highly concentrated and not typically meant to be consumed orally. Ingesting concentrated essential oils can lead to serious health complications.

This is from The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA):

"An IFPA aromatherapist will never suggest that you use oils neat [undiluted] on your skin, nor advise that you ingest essential oils. . . So, if someone suggests you use an essential oil neat or put a drop in your water, please don’t. Find another aromatherapist!"

The federation goes on to say that exceptions happen in some European countries where medical doctors with specialized training sometimes recommend certain dilutions of specific essential oils with patients under their supervision. 

 

Poison Control and First Aid Contact Poison Control or 911 right away if you suspect a poisoning. USA Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 Online Resources  webPOISONCONTROL Australian Dep't of Health Essential Oils Toxicity Treatment   Tisserand Institute FIRST AID PROCEDURES

 

7. Don't Add Concentrated Oils Directly to Bath 

Adding essential oils to a bath can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, but it requires care to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Since oil and water don't mix, adding EO to bath water directly can leave concentrated oil drops floating on top and irritate your skin and eyes. 

Here are some essential oil bath tips: 

• Mix EO with carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil are relatively soluble) before adding to the bath. 

• Don't immerse your face in bathwater that has essential oils since it could sting your eyes.

8. Beware of Increased Sun Sensitivity 

Some oils, like those made from the peels of bergamot, lemon, lime, can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. The result can be burning, similar to a really bad sunburn when exposed to UV rays. 

The culprits in these oils are natural chemicals called furanocoumarins (FC).

According to aromatherapy safety expert, Robert Tisserand, even a few minutes of UV exposure on skin that has these essential oils in too high a concentration may cause a burn. Longer exposure creates more vulnerability to more severe reaction.

In a more extensive article, Tisserand notes that burns may not appear for 12 hours after exposure, may continue to worsen up to 3 days, and may last for months. His article also includes safe dilution ratios for phototoxic oils.

Products that you wash off, like hand soap or body wash, aren't of concern. It's the products that you leave on, like lotion or oils, that can cause problems. 

Not all citrus oils are phototoxic:

• Some, like sweet orange, don't start out with FC.

• Steam distillation leaves the FC behind. (Cold-pressed keeps it in.)

• High-quality citrus oils will often highlight the removal of FC with terms like furocoumarin-free (FCF). Bergamot that has no FC may be labeled bergaptene-free (BF).

 

 

Here are some tips for using phototoxic essential oils:

• NEVER use them full strength.

• Use them in wash-off hand and body soaps rather than lotions, gels, or oils.

• Avoid applying these oils to your skin at least 12–24 hours before going out in the sun or using tanning beds.

• If you must use a phototoxic oil, apply it to areas of the skin that will not be exposed to sunlight (e.g., under clothing).

• Look for warnings about phototoxicity on product labels or consult trusted resources before use.

More information about photosensitive oils can be found on the American College of Healthcare Sciences website.

 

9. Store Oils Properly

Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles, tightly sealed, and away from heat and sunlight to maintain their potency and prevent degradation.

Additionally, keep them out of reach of children and pets.

 

10. Check for EO-Medication Interactions

 

Essential oils can influence how your body metabolizes certain medications, potentially altering their effectiveness. This happens because EOs contain bioactive compounds that interact with enzymes, hormones, and cellular pathways in the body.

These interactions often help you by improving how your body works.

They also may enhance a medication’s potency, increasing the risk of side effects or overmedication, or reduce its effectiveness by interfering with its metabolism. 

What Medications Interact with Essential Oils?

Common Medication Categories Affected:

• Blood thinners
• Sedatives
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Diabetes medications
• Statins
• Hormone treatments (e.g., birth control, thyroid medications)
• Anticonvulsants
• Cancer treatments

If you’re taking pharmaceutical medications, consult your doctor to check for potential contraindications before using EOs.

Since some EOs have blood thinning properties and some impact sedation, check with your doctor about their usage prior to any surgery. Keep in mind all sources of essential oils, including inhalation, skin application, and personal care products. (You may need to discontinue using them about a week before surgery.)

 

You may also be interested in this post about essential oils for anxiety, stress, and insomnia:

 

Now for a more expanded look at some aromatherapy safety concerns. 

 

Is Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safe for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

 

Aromatherapy with essential oils can help the mental and physical wellbeing of pregnant and nursing women, including helping them calm anxiety and improve sleep.

Research includes evidence that:

• Inhalation of lavender EO by post-partum women reduced anxiety, stress, and depression

• Aromatherapy with neroli and geranium each reduced anxiety during labor

But there are safety issues related to the use of essential oils during pregnancy and lactation to be aware of and keep in mind.

 

Essential Oil Use While Breastfeeding

IFPA advice: "Essential oils have been found in breast milk, so some essential oils are contraindicatory during lactation." [I added the italics.]

 

Pregnancy and Aromatherapy Guidelines

IFPA recommends the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy to relieve stress and other challenges.

They provide this important caveat: "All essential oil components pass through the placenta and reach the baby; therefore, some components in some essential oils are not safe for the fetus." [I added the italics.]

Special precautions should be taken if there is a history of miscarriage. 

 

Essential Oil Dilution Ratio for Pregnant and Nursing Women

IFPA recommends topical dilution of EO be in the 1% to 2% range when used by pregnant or nursing moms. 

 

What Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy and Nursing

There are two levels of essential oil avoidance for pregnant and lactating moms:

1. Oils to be avoided entirely.

2. Oils that should be limited.

 

1. Oils to Avoid

IFPA has a long list of essential oils to be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, but it appears to be outdated.

The IFPA list refers to Tisserand and Young's book on EO safety, but it appears to be from the book's first edition and drastically different from that found in the second edition. I have emailed the Tisserand Institute to find out if there is an online source for the updated guidance. 

The only relatively common oil I spotted on the new list is Wintergreen. 

Others include specialized essential oils you may be exposed to in professional settings, such as is in the culinary industry. 

Note that Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is on the IFPA and current Tisserand/Young no-no list but the Lavender species Lavandula angustifolia is not. These are very different essential oils. 

• Lavandula stoechas contains high levels of camphor (up to 50%), giving it a strong, pungent scent not suitable for relaxation and skin use. 

• Lavandula angustifolia is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, known for their calming, soothing properties making it ideal for relaxation, skin care, and therapeutic uses. (That's why the Lavandula angustifolia variety made my Top Essential Oils for Relieving Anxiety and Stress List.)

 

2. Limited Exposure Oils

I've already noted that EO's in general should be used in 1%-2% dilution rates that limit exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are also some recommendations for limiting specific oils during these life phases.

Tisserand and Young mention about a dozen oils as safe but recommend they be kept in the 1% range when used by pregnant and nursing women for full-body massage or full-body lotion.

They include a couple that are commonly enjoyed for their relaxing properties:

• Lemongrass
• Melissa 

Since you probably aren't getting massages every day, the practical application of this safety note is more about caution when using body lotion. 

 

Bottom Line: if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before using EO for aromatherapy or in products you use regularly (e.g., shampoo, lotions), or if you are exposed to essential oils at work.

 

Is Essential Oil Aromatherapy Safe for Newborns, Infants, and other Children?

 

Essential oils can offer various benefits for children, such as promoting relaxation and aiding sleep. However, due to their potent nature, it's crucial to use them safely to avoid harmful side-effects.

When we're talking about the dangers of using EOs around kids, keep in mind all sources of EOs including candles, diffusers, lotions, and personal care products like soap and shampoo.

 

Are essential oils safe for newborns?

No.

Essential oils should not be used on or around babies from newborn to 3 months old.

Their skin is highly sensitive, their immune and respiratory systems are still developing, and they are more prone to adverse reactions from the concentrated compounds in essential oils.

Note that the advice isn't just about using essential oils on infants. It's also about using them around infants. That includes diffusing EO and using them on your skin. (See the Minimizing the Risks of Secondary Essential Oil Exposure section below for tips on using essential oils while keeping babies safe.)

 

At What Age Can Children Safely Use Essential Oils?

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) recommends avoiding EO for babies and toddlers under 2 years of age.

In Essential Oil Safety, Tisserand and Young recommend a dilution rate of 1% for kids 2-6 and they have a long list of essential oils to be completely avoided in children under 6 years old. 

 

What Essential Oils Are Dangerous for Young Children?

Here are some of the more common oils on Tisserand and Young's list of EOs to avoid for children under six:

• Eucalyptus (various species)
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria procumbens)

Avoid kids being exposed to these both intentionally and accidentally. 

Be extremely cautious about children's possible access to containers of any essential oil. 

Most essential oil poisonings are of children who ingested it from bottles they found, and they did what kids do, which is to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. 

 

Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Overexposure: A Cautionary Tale

Lavender and tea tree essential oils are often celebrated for their calming and antimicrobial properties. Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is included on the International Federation of Aromatherapists' (IFA) list of child-safe essential oils.

 

Research Showing Hormone Disruption

Despite their many benefits, research by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reminds us that even natural remedies can pose risks when overused.

The NIEHS investigated cases of prepubertal gynecomastia (swollen breasts in boys) and early breast development in girls linked to prolonged exposure to lavender and tea tree oils. The study reviewed 11 cases where children experienced these hormonal changes:

• 10 cases involved extended daily use of personal care products such as shampoos, hair gels, and soaps containing lavender oil and one that also included tea tree oil.

• 1 case involved prolonged classroom exposure to lavender oil diffusion for an entire year.

The research demonstrated that these oils have estrogenic (mimicking estrogen) and antiandrogenic (blocking male hormones) effects, potentially disrupting the normal hormone balance in pre-puberty children.

In all cases, the symptoms resolved slowly once exposure to the oils was discontinued.

 

Research Showing No Hormone Disruption

A 2022 study of over 500 children exposed to tea tree and lavender essential oils showed no increase in early puberty for girls or swollen breast tissue for boys.

Exposure was defined as weekly or more frequent contact with a lavender or tea tree EO-containing product for a period of four or more months.

The exposure threshold for inclusion in this study appears well below the exposure experienced by the children in the NIEHS studies. 

 

This evidence is an important reminder to use essential oils thoughtfully and in moderation, particularly with children. And allow for the fact that we are all individuals, and some may have vulnerabilities not relevant for others.

Avoiding extended daily use or continuous exposure can help ensure the safe incorporation of aromatherapy into wellness routines.

 

Are Essential Oils Bad for Pets, Including Cats, Dogs?

 

 

Is peppermint oil safe for cats? Is eucalyptus oil safe for dogs? 

The answer to both questions is no. 

Some essential oils are harmful to pets such as cats and dogs when inhaled (e.g., from diffusers and candles), absorbed through the skin, or ingested (including pets licking oils that you might leave on their fur when petting them.)  

This is from the Pet Poison Helpline:

"Cats are especially at risk from essential oils. They lack an essential enzyme in their liver making it difficult to metabolize and eliminate essential oils. Their natural grooming behavior also places them at further risk for both dermal and oral exposures. Dogs do not have the same enzyme deficiency as cats; however, they can still be at risk from exposure to essential oils."

 

Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Cats?

First: NEVER apply high-concentration essential oils to pets.

There aren't lists of EO's that are safe for cats, but there are lists of which oils to avoid even in diluted applications.

The Pet Poison Helpline's list of EOs to avoid around cats (checked Dec 2024):

1. Wintergreen
2. Sweet Birch
3. Citrus Oil (Limonene)
4. Pine
5. Ylang Ylang
6. Peppermint
7. Cinnamon
8. Pennyroyal
9. Clove
10. Eucalyptus
11. Tea Tree (aka Melaleuca)

What Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs?

Like with cats, NEVER directly apply high-concentration essential oils. 

There aren't lists of EO's that are safe for dogs, but there are lists of which oils to avoid.

The Pet Poison Helpline's list of EOs to avoid around dogs (checked Dec 2024):

1. Wintergreen
2. Sweet birch
3. Pine
4. Cinnamon
5. Pennyroyal
6. Eucalyptus
7. Tea tree (aka Melaleuca)

Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. There is a small fee for the consultation.

 

Minimizing Risk of Secondary Essential Oil Exposure

 

 

It's important to avoid use of no-no oils with your young children, pregnant partner, or pet, and vulnerable adults you are caregiving.

It's also important to be cautious about secondary exposure from essential oils you apply to yourself. We don't want contraindicated oils rubbing off of you onto them.

Here are practical steps to prevent accidental exposure:

 

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

After applying EO, 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 EO to your skin, cover the area with clothing to minimize contact with others.

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

5. Time Your Application

Apply EO 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. 

Essential oil absorption rates vary depending on 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. 

 

6. 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.

 

7. 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.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy aromatherapy benefits while minimizing the risks of secondary exposure to those around you.

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

 

Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Stress Self-Care Guide Book

Essential oils are often used for their relaxing and lifting properties. 

You may also be interested in how diet and nutrition can affect your mood and stress resilience. 

I spent four years researching and writing Feed Your Calm: Anti-Anxiety Anti-Stress Diet and Supplement Tips for Stress Resilience to ensure that I delivered science-backed information to make your life better. 

Check it out.

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