When is it safe to use Essential Oils on my child?

All essential oils should be introduced slowly to watch for allergies or adverse reactions. 

No essential oil is safe for internal use in children. 

Always ere on the side of caution and use less essential oil than recommended. While essential oils are natural, they have powerful chemical constituents and once on (or in) the body there is little one can do to reverse a potential adverse effect. 

Please research and learn about the essential oils you are choosing to use on you and your family.  

Several of the listed oils are contrainidicated for pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using essential oils on or around pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you or your child have any medical condition or are taking any medications, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using any essential oils. 







Ages Of When Essential Oils Are Generally Safe To Use On Children

EO = Essential Oil

CO= Carrier Oil



0-3 months

Avoid the use of essential oils



3+ month

0.2% Dilution

*1-2 drops EO per ounce of CO when appropriate and when it has already been determined the oil does not cause any adverse reactions.


Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis, Chamamealum nobile)

Lavender – (Lavendula angustifolia)

Mandarin (Citrus reticulate)



3-24 months

Diffusion of citrus and some pines and firs ok; check individual oils for safety information.

 
2+ years

1% Dilution 5-6 drop EO to 1 ounce CO when appropriate and when it has already been determined the oil does not cause any adverse reactions.


Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) bergamot essential oil is a phototoxic oil and can cause phototoxic reactions on your skin, if used before going out in the sunshine. Diffusion and wash-off products are safe from this though.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin, Styrax paralleloneurus)

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Cedarwood, Atlas/Virgina (Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodora, Juniperus virginiana) use a        smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Chamomile, German (Matricaria rectutita)

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia aromatica) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted. Use cautiously and in moderation.
 
Copaiba Balsam (Copaifera officinalis)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervires)

Basil, Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)

Dill (Anthum graveolens)

Fir needle (Abies sibirica)

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) 

Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium)

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)

Lemon (Citrus limon) this is safe for diffusion. Though this is safe for topical application,      sweet orange is suggested instead, because it’s less harsh on the skin. If cold pressed rather than steam distilled, this essential oil is a potential photosensitizer.

Lime (Cirtus x aurantifolia) Use steam distilled only. Expressed lime can be phototoxic.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Neroli (Citrus aurantium)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

Pine (pinus divaricata, pinus resinosa, pinus strobus, pinus sylvestris) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia)

Rose Otto (Rosa damascena) Use sparingly, scent can be overpowering.

Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum, Santalum album)

Spearmint (Mentha cardiaca, Mentha spicata)

Spruce (picea abies, picea glauca, picea mariana, picea rubens)

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Sweet Marjoram (Marjorana hortensis)

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) This chemotype is safer for children and not a likely skin irritant. Use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted. 

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) Use sparingly, scent can be overwhelming and cause headaches/nausea.

 

6+ years

1% Dilution 5-6 drop EO to 1 ounce CO

*May use 2% Dilution (10-12 drops EO per 1 ounce CO) when appropriate and when it has already been determined the oil does not cause any adverse reactions.

 
Cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca leucadendron)

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Lemongrass (Andropogon citratus, Andropogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon citratus,      Cymbopogon flexuosus) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Sage, Greek/White (Salvia officinalis, Salvia fruiticosa, Salvia tribola, Salvia apiana)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Thymus Zygis) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Yarrow, Blue (Achillea millefolium)

 

10+ years

1-2% Dilution (1%: 5-6 drops EO per ounce CO or 2% Dilution 10-12 Drops EO to 1 ounce CO)

Anise/Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Anise, Star (llicium verum) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Basil, Lemon (Ociumum x citriodorum)

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) this is safe ONLY for diffusion. Cinnamon cassia is not safe for use on anyone’s skin, as it is too irritating. Use Cinnamon leaf instead, for topical preparations.
 
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) this is safe for diffusion ONLY. Cinnamon bark is not safe for use on anyone’s skin, as it is too irritating. Use Cinnamon leaf instead, for topical preparations.

Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum verum) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Clove Leaf (Eugenia caryophyllata) Use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted. Use cautiously and in moderation.

Cornmint (Mentha arvensis, Mentha canadensis)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus maidenii, Eucalyptus plenissima, Eucalyptus kochii, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus autraliana, Eucalyptus phellandra, Eucalyptus smithii)

Fennel, sweet and bitter (Foeniculum vulgare)

Garlic (Allium sativum) this is better use for diffusion as it can cause skin irritations when applied topically.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Laurel Leaf/Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Marjoram, Spanish (Thymus mastichina)

Melissa/Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Use cautiously, used as a sedative.

Niaouli (cineole chemotype)

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Oregano (Origanum onites, Origanum smyrnaeum, Origanum vulgare, Origanum compactum, Origanum hirtum, Thymbra capitata, Thymus capitatus, Coridothymus capitatus,   Satureeja capitata) 

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) use a smaller amount of this topically as it can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) Not to be confused with Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), which should NEVER be used by anyone because it is a potential carcinogen. Safest when used in adults.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Avoid the camphor chemotype

Tumeric (Cucuma longa)

Tea Tree, Lemon (Leptospermum petersonii, Leptospermum citratum, Leptospermum liversidgei)

Valarian (Valeriana officinalis)

Verbena, Lemon (Aloysia triphylla, Aloysia citriodora, Lippa citriodora, Lippa triphylla) The safety of this oil has not been determined.



 

For more information on essential oil usage and safety, visit www.aromaweb.com or www.learningabouteos.com.