Essential oils in cosmetics can cause allergies

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from plants and flowers. They can be considered natural fragrances.

Because it is derived from plants, it has a better image than synthetic fragrances , which is why it is often used in natural and organic cosmetics .

Are essential oils good for the skin?

Are plant-derived essential oils safer and gentler on the skin than synthetic fragrances?

Actually, the answer is "No."

Although they are natural, essential oils are fragrances. They contain high concentrations of naturally occurring chemicals, some of which are allergens to humans.

Pollen, which many people have allergic reactions to, is also naturally derived. Also, flowers that give you a rash on your hands are also plants. In other words, it is precisely because they are plant-derived that they can be too harsh on our skin and body.

The intensity of the irritation is said to be about the same as that of synthetic fragrances, and some types can be even more irritating than synthetic fragrances.

Have you ever experienced itching or a red rash after applying makeup?

It could be an allergic reaction to the essential oils in the cosmetics.

Be especially careful with these essential oils

Essential oils are often used in everyday skin care products and baby products . Here are some of the most popular essential oils that are particularly prone to allergies.

• Lemon Peel Oil
• Orange Peel Oil
• Mandarin orange peel oil
• Bitter Orange Flower Oil
• Bergamot Fruit Oil
• Lime Peel Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Jasmine oil
• Peppermint oil
• Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
• Damask rose oil
• Tea Tree Leaf Oil
• Ylang-ylang Flower Oil

All of these essential oils have been identified as human allergens by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.

There are many popular essential oils that you will often see.

Repeated use of the same essential oil can cause allergic reactions.

You may like the scent and use the same cosmetics for a long time. However, if you continue to use the same essential oil every day for a long period of time, you may suddenly experience an allergic reaction.

Be especially careful when using products that contain any of the essential oils listed above.

If you experience itching or redness, we recommend checking the ingredients to see if the product contains essential oils.

Bergamot fruit oil protects the skin from UV damage

Some essential oils are phototoxic. Examples include lemon peel oil, bitter orange flower oil, and bergamot fruit oil.

Phototoxicity is the effect of damaging the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays while on the skin, causing sunburn and blemishes, as well as redness and itching.

If you use cosmetics containing phototoxic essential oils, it is recommended that you avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays for about 12 hours after applying the product .

However, if the phototoxic component furocoumarin has been removed, it is fine. Make sure that the product does not say "furocoumarin-free."

Types to be careful of during menstruation and pregnancy

There are essential oils that have hormone-like effects, and some that stimulate uterine contractions.

For example, lavender oil has an emmenagogue effect (stimulates menstruation), so it is recommended that you avoid using it during pregnancy.

The skin and body are very sensitive during menstruation , pregnancy , and before and after childbirth. When essential oils are used in cosmetics, it is recommended to check their effects. It is safe to use them with the correct knowledge and caution.