Common Essential Oils You Should Avoid In Organic Perfume And Why

As essential oils are highly concentrated, their properties can be dangerous if used in amounts that are too high for our biological system; so all oils must be well diluted before use in perfumes.

In addition, certain oils can cause reactions, while others are unsuitable for use in pregnancy and other physical conditions. Below is some health and safety information to consider when preparing perfumes and to help in your blending process.

The following oils should be avoided as they are toxic.

  • Wormwood
  • Wintergreen
  • Tansy
  • Savin
  • Pennyroyal
  • Parsley

If you suffer from any long term, serious health problems you should seek advice from a reputable holistic or aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils. Below I have listed oils which should most commonly be avoided for certain health problems.

Seek advice before using:

  • Nutmeg
  • Fennel
  • Dill

If you have a problem with high blood pressure, avoid:

  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Hyssop

Epilepsy sufferers need to avoid:

  • Tarragon
  • Tansy
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Hyssop
  • Birch
  • Basil

People with diabetes should avoid:

  • Angelica

If you take an anti-coagulant drug avoid:

  • Ginger
  • Clove
  • Birch

Pregnant women and children are susceptible to negative effects from certain oils. Do not use essential oils in scents for children under 11. Some are safe, but it is best to err on the side of caution. If making perfumes for children between the ages of 11 and 15, use half the recommended ingredient drops.

If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, avoid perfumes which contain the following essential oils.

  • Thyme
  • Thuja
  • Tarragon
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Peppermint
  • Oregano
  • Nutmeg
  • Myrrh
  • Mustard
  • Mugwort
  • Marjoram
  • Juniper
  • Jasmine
  • Hyssup
  • Horseradish
  • Ginger
  • Fir
  • Fennel
  • Clove
  • Clary Sage
  • Chamomile
  • Camphor
  • Black Pepper
  • Birch
  • Basil
  • Aniseed
  • Angelica

Certain oils can cause sensitization, the effects of which produce similar symptoms to an allergic reaction. Before using any of the following oils in a perfume blend, dilute 1 drop in some carrier oil and rub a little on the inner forearm. If you have had no itching, redness or other negative reaction in that spot within 24 hours you should be safe to use it in your blends.

  • Thyme
  • Tagette
  • Origanum
  • Clove
  • Cinnamon
  • Cassia
  • Bay

When using in perfume, the oils that have a photo-toxic effect, (sensitive to UV light), should cause few problems as you are using them on such a small area of the body; however, if those areas are going to be in direct sunlight or will be exposed to a sun-bed or other source of UV light, avoid wearing perfumes that contain the following oils.

  • Taget
  • Rue
  • Orange
  • Lime
  • Lemon
  • Grapefruit
  • Cumin
  • Bergamot
  • Angelica

 

 

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