WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

ESSENTIAL OILS are a group of plant-based secondary substances that are responsible for the characteristic fragrance of the plant. They are complex mixtures of chemical substances which are extremely potent. They can be found in many products on the market including skin care products. 

HOW are essential oils obtained?

Most essential oils are obtained from various parts of the plant by distillation. Others are mechanically pressed from plant tissues or extracted with a solvent such as hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide.

“WHY” IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

Contact allergy to some essential oils is well known and can occur in the form of skin irritation, sensitization, and photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is usually due to the presence of furocoumarins in the essential oil. There are certain citrus oils which are not phototoxic, and they include expressed sweet orange, tangelo, tangerine, and mandarin essential oils, as well as distilled (not expressed) lemon and lime oils.

Due to the natural allergens/sensitizers present in essential oils, there are dermal limits that have been set by the International Fragrance Association on essential oils being used depending on location of application and type of application i.e., rinse-off or leave on. 

Never use essential oils undiluted directly on your skin.