Why You Should Not Use Essential Oil Undiluted

Pain Relief Essential Oil Blend - Undiluted Dropper Bottle | Sage Mind and  Body

The undiluted application of essential oil is a controversial topic within the aromatherapy industry. Some believe that the undiluted application of essential oil is extremely beneficial and is called upon under certain circumstances. While others believe that essential oils should not be placed on the skin undiluted as they can be extremely hazardous. The undiluted application of essential oils, also known as neat, is wasteful and can be damaging to the skin and overall wellbeing. 

Many People Believe That If The Oil Is 100% Pure They Are Completely Safe- A common misconception around the aromatherapy community is that if the essential oil is 100% pure, they are completely safe. While on the contrary, since the essential oil is 100% pure and natural, they are not safe to use undiluted. Essential oils are highly volatile oils found and extracted from plants that are composed of hundreds and thousands of different chemicals that make up the entire oil. These different chemicals present in the oils are what give them the magic power, but they are also the ones that make these oils potentially dangerous. 

Some of These Oils Are Hot While Others Are Cold- Not all essential oils are the same, some of these oils are hot. For example, Cinnamon is a very hot oil with a specific maximum dermal rate. A maximum dermal rate is the maximum rate at which you should dilute the essential oils. As anything higher than the maximum dermal rate can cause significant irritation and burn to the skin. It can also irritate the mucous membrane and the respiratory tract; therefore, diluting them becomes essential. Cinnamon and other hot oils like Oregon when diluted and applied to the skin are present with a warming effect. So when you apply them undiluted, these warming effects can become very hot, which can lead to burns or sensitization. 

And while some essential oils are hot, others are cooling, for example, peppermint is high in menthol and it gives a cooling effect when applied or inhaled. This cooling effect presented by the peppermint essential oil can alleviate discomfort, but if you use it undiluted, it can be too cooling and extremely uncomfortable. These cooling effects presented by the essential oils can also lead to sensitization and burning, especially when applied to a large area. And this is also the reason why it is suggested not to use peppermint in the bath. So, whether the essential oil is hot or cold, it is advised not to use them undiluted. 

Using Essential Oils Undiluted Increases The Likelyhood Of Sensitization- Sensitization, also known as allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic immune response from the body. This allergic immune response is your body’s way of saying that it has had enough. It is your body’s way of fighting off what it senses as a problem. These reactions usually occur at the site of application, but they can also occur at other sites of the body. Some of the common signs of sensitization include itchy skin, bumpy rash, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. If you apply undiluted essential oil on your skin, your body will begin to trigger the immune response, which is sensitization. However, if you dilute the essential oil, you decrease the likelihood of this. 

How To Dilute Your Essential Oil- Applying essential oil undiluted is wasteful, as they are powerful and volatile oil. Diluting essential oils is not hard at all, first off, you should choose a carrier oil then choose a dilution rate by figuring out how much essential oil and carrier oil you need. To dilute the essential oil with your carrier oil, you can choose one from Young Living Essential Oils.