Summer Essential Oil Safety

The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends. We know that many of you will be hitting the pool, enjoying family barbeques, or spending time in the mountains or at the beach. To ensure you and your family stay safe this year, let’s talk about ways to safely use your essential oils during the hot summer months!

General Essential Oil Safety

• Always check the label. Each essential oil has specific directions for use. Look at the labels and follow directions closely, especially if you are trying an essential oil for the first time. Many essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, some cannot be taken internally, and other cause photosensitivity (more on that later!), so it’s important to be aware of these precautions.
  • Tip: For application convenience, many of our most popular doTERRA essential oils are available pre-diluted with a carrier oil as part of our doTERRA Touch® line. The doTERRA Touch® Peppermint roll-on is a summer favourite for many because of its cooling effects on the skin. Whenever applying an essential oil topically, avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or ears.

• Store essential oils safely. With school out, young children have more time at home to explore the cupboards. Keep your essential oils in a safe place out of the reach of children, and remind young children that they should only use essential oils with a grown-up present.

Outdoor Essential Oil Safety

The sun is inviting and can give a great boost of Vitamin D. However, be aware that you should avoid using some of your family’s favourite citrus essential oils topically before direct sunlight or exposure to artificial UV rays.

When ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a form of radiation that makes up approximately 10-percent of sunlight, comes in contact with particular substances, it can initiate a series of chemical and biological reactions. This is known as photosensitization. Some essential oils contain organic compounds known as furocoumarins, which make some people’s skin more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation.

When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause the formation of free radicals, inflicting damage to cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins. Acutely, this may result in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation, much like a sunburn. More extreme exposure may cause hives or burns.

Photosensitive Oils

We make it a priority to be clear and transparent about which essential oils are photosensitive because we care about you and your family! The following essential oils have a photosensitivity warning:

• Adaptiv™
• AromaTouch^®
• Bergamot oil
• Easy Air^®
• doTERRA Cheer^®
• Citrus Bliss^®
• Elevation®
• doTERRA Forgive^®
• Grapefruit oil
• InTune^®
• Lemon oil
• Lime oil
• doTERRA Motivate^®
• On Guard^®
• doTERRA Purify®
• Smart & Sassy^®
• Tangerine oil
• Wild Orange oil
• Zendocrine oil

Because our collection of doTERRA essential oils and blends is always growing, this is not an exhaustive list. As always, read the essential oil label, shop page, and product spotlight on the blog before use!

Have a wonderful summer!