Essential Oils Considered Photosensitive
The following list includes essential oils that are considered photosensitive. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Photosensitive: Photosensitivity is the term used to describe sensitivity to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and other light sources, such as indoor fluorescent light. Photosensitivity can cause rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms. Photosensitivity, or sensitivity to sunlight, is a skin reaction to sunlight. It may be caused by sunlight alone or by sunlight and chemicals. These chemicals are found in perfume, makeup, creams, lotions, food, or medicines. Photosensitive essential oils are often in the citrus family.
Essential Oil General Safety Information: Essential Oils (EOs) are highly concentrated extractions of plants and can be harmful if not used carefully. Incorporating EOs into your lifestyle should not cause unnecessary work, but it is important to heed all safety precautions. Never take EOs internally, even if a label say it is safe for consumption by mouth. Never put undiluted EOs directly onto your skin (NEAT) to avoid sensitization of skin, and never apply NEAT to broken skin. Some EOs can cause irritation, sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil topically for the first time, perform a skin patch test on a small area of the skin. Some EOs are phototoxic and can cause irritation, inflammation, blistering, redness and/or burning when exposed to UVA rays of the sun. Discontinue using EOs immediately if you encounter any irritation, redness or reaction. Take care when adding EOs directly to bathwater. EOs do not stayed mixed in water, and can, therefore “pool” causing the EO to touch body areas in full strength with the potential for irritation. Some EOs should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or other health conditions. Avoid using EOs near the genitals, mouth, nose, eyes and ears. Extreme caution should be used with children and elderly (due to medication mix). Care should be taken when using EOs near animals as not all EOs are safe to use on dogs, cats, birds, horses or other pets. EOs are flammable; keep them away from fire hazards.
Essential Oils Considered Photosensitive
These essential oils, and others are considered to be photosensitive. Your exposure to UV sun rays and chances of getting a severe sunburn will increase if these oils are not properly diluted before applying to your skin. In fact, you should cover the body parts with oils with a hat, long sleeve shirt or blouse to fully protect yourself if you are using these oils in summer or if you will be in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.
- Angelica Root Angelica archangelica
- Bergamot (Cold Pressed) Citrus aurantium var. bergamia (especially photosensitive)
- Bitter Orange (Cold Pressed) Citrus aurantium var. Amara
- Cassia Cinnamomum cassia
- Cedarwood, Atlas Cedrus atlanticum
- Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Clary Sage Salvia sclarea
- Cumin Cuminum cyminum, C. odorum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Elecampane Inula helenium
- Ginger Zingiber officinalis
- Grapefruit (Cold Pressed) Citrus paradisi
- Lemon (Cold Pressed and distilled) Citrus limon, Lippia citridora
- Lime (Cold Pressed) Citrus medica, Citrus x aurantifolia, Citrus x latifolia
- Lovage Levisticum officinale
- Mandarin Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis
- Neroli Citrus aurantium amara, Citrus bigarradia, Citrus vulgaris, Citrus aurantium var aurantium
- Opopanax Commiphora erythraea
- Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli
- Rue Ruta graveolens, Ruta montana
- Tagetes Tagetes minuta
- Verbena (or lemon verbena) Lippia citriodora (Aloysia tryphalla), Aloysia citrodora
- Yuzu Citrus junos
Percentage of Dilution
In 2 oz. of a carrier oil, three drops of essential oil. This is a 0.25% dilution.
Caution
If too much bergamot has been used, please wait at least 18 hours before you expose yourself to any UV rays.
Read Labels: Understand Method of Extraction
Always read your labels carefully, some essential oils can be both photosensitive and not photosensitive. The difference is in how the oil was extracted. As an example, lime oil that is cold pressed is photosensitive, while lime oil that is steam distilled is not.
REFERENCES:
- Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics (Vol. 1 & 2) by Peter Holmes LAc, MH
- Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
- The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Til next time,
