What is a skin patch test and why should I consider this when using essential oils?
This is a way of testing out essential oils, products, and blends on a small area of skin safely, before applying to a larger or more visible area with bigger consequences. So… before rubbing that home-made essential oil lotion or scrub all over your body, READ THIS ARTICLE!
More and more people are using essential oils these days, and it is important to realize that these tiny bottles of aromatic delight represent the most active chemical constituents found in plants. Thus, it is often a good idea to test essential oils out on a small area before using them topically in larger body areas, especially with certain situations. Here are some examples:
- Some people are more likely to have sensitizing reactions, especially children and the elderly. Skin patch test just to be safe.
- Certain essential oils are very high in sensitizing chemicals like phenols and aldehydes, and include but are not limited to: cinnamon, bay, clove, oregano, thyme, sage, citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint. These particular essential oils have been identified as more likely to cause dermal irritation.
- When using a new essential oil for the first time, try a small skin patch test first.
There are some things you should know before using essential oils topically.
- Avoid use of essential oils on damaged and diseased skin; sensitization and other negative reactions are more likely.
- Certain essential oils are inappropriate for use with children, pregnant women, and the fragile population. Visit NAHA’s Safety Page for a current list.
- Essential oils, like herbs or medicines, also have contraindications. Review possible contraindications and medication interactions for the plant species before proceeding. For example, multiple essential oils are not safe for young children and pregnant women.
- Blend strong, potentially sensitizing oils such as clove or peppermint with those that are considered less likely to cause irritations like lavender or chamomile.
- ALWAYS dilute!!! Not only does it make essential oils safer, but it also makes them more effective, as they will evaporate less quickly and absorb at a better rate. Dilute in carrier oils such as coconut, olive, sweet almond, jojoba, or sesame oil. Or, certain essential oils will dilute in alcohol, witch hazel, or vinegar (but not all essential oils are completely soluble in these carriers). Diluting in water is NOT effective because essential oils are not water soluble. See the bullet list below for dilution guidelines.
- Different people react differently to essential oils, so just because you did not have a reaction, does not mean your friend or family member will not. Additionally, individuals react differently based on changing circumstances such as medications, medical conditions, and more.
Experts agree, here are the general guidelines for diluting essential oils.
- For those with sensitive skin, a history of skin reactions, the elderly, and children: dilute essential oils to 1% or less (1% equals about 5 drops in an ounce of carrier oil).
- For general use, dilute essential oils to 2%. This equals about 10 drops in an ounce of carrier oil.
- For acute applications in local body areas, do not make stronger than a 3 -10% dilution.
How to Skin Patch Test
- Dilute the desired essential oil or blend you have created per the guidelines above, and place a pea sized amount on the inner forearm, behind the knees, or on the back.
- Apply a waterproof bandage over the area, and leave the essential oil on for 12-24 hours.
- If there is any burning or itching, wash the area off with soap and water. For a more rapid removal of the essential oil from the skin, pour a fat soluble liquid such as milk or olive oil over the skin affected by the essential oil.
- If after 24 hours, there is not reaction in the skin patch test area, it is safe to use the diluted blend you have created.
Here are a few more articles about essential oil safety.
- Essential Oil Safety
- Dangers of Internal Use
- Essential Oil vs the Same Plant’s Herb
- The Safe use of Diffusers
