Essential oils come from plants, but “natural” does not mean they can be used freely in every situation or by everyone. A bottle of pure essential oil distilled from plant material is a highly concentrated mixture of naturally occurring chemical compounds, such as limonene, linalool, citral, eugenol, menthol and 1,8-cineole. These compounds are what give each essential oil its distinctive aroma and properties, but they are also why essential oils should be used with knowledge and care.
The safety of an essential oil depends on many factors, including the type of oil, its chemical composition, concentration and dosage, how it is used, and who is using it. When used inappropriately, essential oils may cause irritation to the skin, eyes or respiratory system, as well as allergic reactions. Some can also be toxic if swallowed or used incorrectly.
Understanding the essential oil you are using—how it should be diluted, how much to use, the appropriate method of use, and when extra caution is necessary—is an important part of using essential oils safely. This becomes particularly important in households with young children or pets. Children’s bodies are still developing, while dogs, cats and other animals differ from humans in their physiology, metabolism and sensitivity to certain compounds. For this reason, the way we use essential oils for ourselves should not automatically be applied to children or animals.
Can natural essential oils be used around children?
Children are not simply smaller versions of adults. Particularly in young children, the body and respiratory system are still developing, while essential oils contain plant compounds in highly concentrated forms.
Certain constituents require particular attention. Menthol, for example, is found at high levels in peppermint essential oil, while camphor occurs in certain essential oils and aromatic preparations. Inappropriate exposure or accidental ingestion of these substances can cause serious adverse reactions in children.
Importantly, there is no single guideline that can be applied to every essential oil and every child. Age, the type of essential oil, its chemical composition and concentration, the method of use and the child’s individual health all need to be considered. Users should therefore carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings for each product rather than assuming that an essential oil is safe simply because it is natural.
As a precautionary principle, areme does not recommend the use of essential oils for children under seven years of age. If there is a particular need to use essential oils, we recommend consulting a pediatrician or qualified healthcare professional beforehand. When essential oils are diffused in a space where children are present, particular attention should be paid to the amount used and duration of diffusion. The room should always be adequately ventilated, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations should be avoided.
Can pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions use natural essential oils?
As with children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions may need to exercise additional caution when using essential oils. Different oils can have very different chemical compositions and may carry their own contraindications or safety considerations. An individual’s health condition, medications and route of exposure can also affect whether a particular essential oil is appropriate.
Some essential oils contain significant amounts of compounds such as camphor, 1,8-cineole or thujone, which warrant particular caution in people with a history of epilepsy or seizures. Clinical reports have documented seizures associated with exposure to preparations containing eucalyptus essential oil and camphor.
People with asthma or respiratory sensitivities may respond differently to airborne fragrances. If diffusion causes discomfort, coughing or respiratory irritation, discontinue use and ventilate the space. Those with an existing respiratory condition should follow their healthcare provider’s advice regarding the use of fragranced products.
areme recommends always reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions for each essential oil. If you have an underlying health condition or are taking medication, consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before use, as the constituents of some essential oils may not be appropriate for your individual health condition or current medication.
Essential oils during pregnancy
Some essential oils require particular caution during pregnancy because of their chemical composition. For example, wintergreen essential oil may contain approximately 96–99% methyl salicylate, a compound that can be absorbed through the skin and metabolized into salicylic acid. At sufficiently high levels of exposure, salicylates can affect blood clotting and other physiological functions.
Other essential-oil constituents also warrant particular attention during pregnancy. These include thujone, which can occur at high levels in thuja and common tansy essential oils; pulegone, associated with significant liver and kidney toxicity, in pennyroyal essential oil; and camphor, which may be present at high concentrations in camphor-rich chemotypes of ho leaf essential oil and in Spanish lavender essential oil.
Of particular concern is sabinyl acetate, a constituent that can occur at significant levels in essential oil distilled from the young branches and leaves of savin (Juniperus sabina) and in certain chemotypes of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Experimental animal studies of essential oils rich in sabinyl acetate have reported reproductive toxicity, including interference with embryo implantation, embryo-fetal toxicity and an increased risk of pregnancy loss.
As a precautionary principle, areme recommends avoiding the use of essential oils throughout pregnancy. This does not mean that every essential oil has been demonstrated to be unsafe during pregnancy. Rather, chemical composition and safety profiles vary considerably between oils, while safety data for the use of many essential oils during human pregnancy remain limited. For this reason, we believe avoiding essential oils is the simplest precautionary approach during pregnancy. If there is a specific reason for considering their use, areme recommends consulting a doctor or qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on general advice found online.
Are natural essential oils safe around pets?
Extra care should be taken when using essential oils in a household with pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds and other animals metabolize and respond to chemical compounds differently from humans. Many animals also have a much more sensitive sense of smell, meaning an aroma that seems light and pleasant to us may still be overwhelmingly strong for them.
Pure essential oils should not be applied directly to a pet’s skin or coat, or to areas they may lick, unless specifically advised by a veterinarian. Ingestion can also result in poisoning. Cases of essential-oil toxicity have been reported in dogs and cats, particularly following ingestion, direct application or exposure to concentrated products. Tea tree oil is one of the better documented examples, while eucalyptus and peppermint oils are also among those for which veterinary sources recommend caution. Risk depends on factors such as the type of oil, concentration, amount, route of exposure and the individual animal.
Birds require particular consideration because their respiratory systems differ significantly from those of mammals. As safety data on inhaled essential oils across different bird species remain limited, it might be better to avoid essential oil diffusion in the immediate living space of pet birds.
Diffusion also requires careful consideration. Essential oils should not be continuously diffused in an enclosed room or in a place where an animal cannot choose to leave. If a diffuser is used, keep the amount of essential oil and duration of diffusion limited, ensure adequate ventilation, and always allow the animal to move freely away from the scented area.
As a precautionary principle, areme does not recommend applying or administering essential oils directly to pets. If you wish to use essential oils in a household with animals—particularly if your pet has an underlying health condition or is receiving medical treatment—we recommend consulting a veterinarian beforehand. Always ensure adequate ventilation and give your pet the freedom to leave the area where essential oils are being diffused.
General guidelines for using essential oils safely
Recommendations regarding age, concentration, method of use and restrictions can vary depending on the botanical material, the essential oil and the manufacturer. Beyond considering aroma, origin and purity when choosing an essential oil, areme encourages users to keep the following basic safety principles in mind:
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions and seek professional advice when necessary. Chemical composition, appropriate concentrations and safety considerations vary between essential oils. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings before use. For young children, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions or those taking medication, as well as households with pets, consult an appropriate healthcare professional or veterinarian when necessary.
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. Essential oils should be appropriately diluted in a carrier oil or used at the recommended concentration before skin application. Applying essential oils undiluted may increase the risk of irritation or skin sensitization.
- Do not eat or drink essential oils. Do not use essential oils internally without appropriate professional guidance. Ingesting certain essential oils, even in relatively small quantities, can cause poisoning or serious adverse effects. Oral use should only be considered under the appropriate direction and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
- Avoid excessive or prolonged use. A higher concentration or larger amount does not necessarily mean a better effect. Avoid using the same essential oil at high concentrations, in large amounts or continuously over long periods. Concentration, amount and duration should be appropriate for the particular essential oil and method of use.
- Ensure adequate ventilation. When diffusing essential oils, use a moderate amount, avoid continuous diffusion in enclosed rooms and ensure good airflow. This is particularly important in spaces shared with young children, people with respiratory sensitivities or pets.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Store bottles safely where children and animals cannot knock them over, come into direct contact with the oils or accidentally ingest them. Diffusers and water containing essential oils should likewise be kept where children and pets cannot access them.