Topical Application of Essential Oils: Benefits and Safety Tips

In this third and last part of my Choosing the right essential oils-blog series I talk about topical application (first part of the blog can be found here and the second part here).

So what does topical application mean? Topical application is the act of applying a substance directly to the skin or mucous membrane for a localised effect. But is it safe to use essential oils for topical application?

When it comes to skin, the answer is yes, but not without precautions. Keep in mind that essential oils should always be diluted before applying to the skin (including scalp). I will talk more about dilution and other safety tips in this post. When it comes to mucous membrane, do not attempt! Application to the mucous membrane can cause severe irritation, burning or even damage of the tissue.

That was the mandatory scary part, let’s move on to the benefits of topical application.

Localised Relief and improved circulation

Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender can soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate (rheumatic) joint pain. Massaging rubefacient essential oils like cinnamon leaf, clove bud, ginger, or black pepper onto the skin can enhance blood flow. These “warming” oils may help to alleviate stiffness or cold extremities. Still, they should be used at low dilutions to avoid skin irritation.

Skin Health and Beauty

• Hydrating: Essential oils like sandalwood and patchouli help to encourage skin moisture retention.
• Anti-Aging: Oils like carrot seed, frankincense, lavender and rose are rich in antioxidants, which reduces oxidative stress and improves wrinkles.
• Acne Control and skin healing: antibacterial and vulnerary oils, like niaouli, lavender and tea tree, can help treat acne.
• Skin toning: astringent oils like cypress, frankincense, lemon, myrrh and sandalwood precipitate proteins, helping to tone and tighten the skin.

aromatherapy benefits

Even when applied topically, essential oils can offer aromatherapeutic benefits, like uplifting mood (citrus oils) or improving focus (rosemary). Calming oils like lavender or chamomile can promote relaxation and reduce stress or anxiety when applied to pulse points.

Enhanced Absorption

• When diluted in carrier oil, essential oils can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream in small amounts. Thus, they can offer systemic effects like improved digestion (e.g., peppermint oil) or hormonal balance (e.g., clary sage, geranium).

Tips for Safe Use:

• Dilution: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent irritation or sensitization. Each oil has its own safe (maximum) dilution level, but 2% dilution is generally considered safe for most of the oils.
• Patch test: Conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before wider use to check for allergic reactions.
• Avoid sensitive areas: Do not apply near eyes, ears, or any mucous membranes.
• Photosensitivity: Some oils, like cold-pressed citrus oils, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and sun damage. It is safer to choose steam-distilled or furocoumarin-free (FCF) essential oils.
• Safety documents: if buying the oils for making cosmetics for sale, always keep the safety documentation provided by the supplier. Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), IFRA certificate and list of allergens are such documents.

When used correctly, topical application of essential oils can provide a natural, effective way to support physical and emotional well-being.

This is the 3rd and last part of my essential oil chart covering 18 multi-advantage essential oils. Some of the oils may pose other potential benefits not mentioned in the charts. I have only listed the benefits with most/best research evidence. The first part can be found HERE and the second one HERE. The last part lists the next oils (INCI name in parentheses):

• Patchouli (pogostemon cablin),
• Peppermint (mentha piperita)
• Rose (rosa damascena)
• Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis)
• Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia)
• Ylang-ylang (cananga odorata)

With love and lots of goodness of Mother Nature,

Lulu

Disclaimer: these blog posts are not medical advice. All ingredient descriptions are based on commonly available information. The benefits described are based on academic research studies. If you suffer from any skin condition or allergies, always consult your GP/medical practitioner first before trying new treatments on your skin.