Essential Oils and Itchy Skin: A Safe Aromatherapy Guide
Dry, itchy skin is one of the most common reasons people reach for essential oils. Aromatherapy has a long history, and many people enjoy it as part of a calm daily routine. The same oils that smell wonderful can also irritate skin when they are used the wrong way.
This guide covers what aromatherapy is, what the research says, and how to use essential oils safely if you have itchy skin. It also explains what to look for in high quality essential oils.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs or trees) as a complementary health approach. The oils are most often inhaled or applied in diluted form to the skin [1].
Aromatherapy is popular, but the evidence is mixed. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that little rigorous research has been done on aromatherapy for sleep, so we do not know whether it helps [1]. A review of lavender inhalation found lower anxiety scores in the studies it pooled, though most of those studies were of low quality and more research is needed [5]. In short, aromatherapy can be a pleasant ritual. It is not a replacement for medical care.
Can essential oils help itchy skin?
This is where honesty matters. Itchy skin has many causes, including dry skin, eczema, allergies and reactions to products. Dermatologists point to regular moisturizer as a first step for dry skin, especially right after bathing [4].
Essential oils are not a proven treatment for itchy skin. They can also be the cause of it. Essential oils are a recognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction whose most common symptoms are itching, redness and scaling [2]. Some oils are more likely to cause it than others, including tea tree, ylang-ylang, lemongrass, sandalwood and clove [2].
If your skin is already itchy, inflamed or reactive, treat essential oils with extra care. If the itch is severe, spreads or does not settle, see a doctor or dermatologist.
The golden rule: always dilute
Dermatology and aromatherapy experts agree on one point. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin. DermNet advises against applying neat oils directly, because it can lead to sensitization, which means you can become allergic to an oil you tolerated before [2].
Robert Tisserand, a well known aromatherapy safety educator, gives these general dilution ranges as guidelines [3]:
Use | Typical dilution |
|---|---|
Reaction-prone or impaired skin | 0.2% to 1% |
Face and sensitive areas | 0.5% to 1.2% |
Body oils and lotions | 1% to 3% |
As a rough guide, 1% is about 2 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of carrier oil. Drop sizes vary, so the number is approximate [3]. Start low and only increase if needed. Undiluted oils can also be drying on the skin, which is the opposite of what itchy skin needs [3].
Do a patch test first
Before using a new oil, mix a small amount in a carrier oil or lotion and apply it to a small area of skin. Wait 24 hours and watch for redness, itching or a rash [6]. Allergic reactions can take 24 to 72 hours to appear [2]. If you react, stop using that oil.
Safety checklist for aromatherapy
Dilute every oil before it touches your skin
Patch test each new oil and wait at least 24 hours
Keep oils away from eyes, and keep them out of reach of children
Ventilate the room when you diffuse, because airborne reactions are possible [2]
Ask your doctor first if you are pregnant, have a skin condition or have asthma
Stop using an oil if your skin reacts
Keep essential oils and diffusers away from pets, because many oils can be toxic to them
How to choose high quality essential oils
Quality does not guarantee safety, but it helps you know what you are using. Look for:
A clear botanical name. The Latin name tells you the exact plant.
Origin and harvest details. Where and how the plant was grown or wildcrafted.
Testing. Brands that test their oils before sale can tell you what is in the bottle.
Amber glass bottles. Dark glass protects oils from light.
Honest claims. Be cautious of any brand that promises to cure a skin condition.
Essential oils from Palestine at PALINOVA
PALINOVA sources botanicals from Palestinian land. Our essential oils are made in Palestine, bottled in amber glass and tested before release. We work directly with local farmers and women-led cooperatives, so each purchase supports the people who grew the plants.
Our range includes Helichrysum Italicum, Thyme, Frankincense, Geranium, Eucalyptus and Sage essential oils, along with botanical skincare such as our Natural Soothing Cream. Every order comes with a free gift.
Our essential oils are concentrated, so dilute them before use and follow the safety steps above.
The bottom line
Essential oils and aromatherapy can be a lovely part of a self-care routine. For itchy skin, go slowly: dilute, patch test and stop at the first sign of a reaction. If the itch keeps coming back, speak to a healthcare professional.
This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose or treat any condition.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Aromatherapy. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aromatherapy
DermNet. Allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils (Ismail FF, Nixon RL; January 2020). https://dermnetnz.org/topics/allergic-contact-dermatitis-to-essential-oils
Tisserand R. Dilution for essential oils. Tisserand Institute. https://tisserandinstitute.org/dilution-essential-oils/
American Academy of Dermatology. How to reduce eczema flares with moisturizer. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/insider/moisturizer-reduce-flares
Effects of lavender on anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/
Kaiser Permanente. Essential oils: are they safe to use? https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/healtharticle.essential-oils-are-they-safe
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