Did you know that some citrus essential oils are not phototoxic?
If you’ve been avoiding all citrus oils out of concerns over phototoxicity, you can still use a few citrus oils without worrying about potential phototoxic skin reactions.
Citrus oils can generally be used without phototoxic concern if you stay within the proper safety guidelines. But for many aromatherapists, client compliance can be an issue–and even with compliance, there may be exceptions (someone might have a phototoxic reaction to a citrus oil even when used in the safe dilutions offered below). Likewise, if you’re a beginner, you may be uncomfortable keeping track of the dilution guidelines needed to ensure that phototoxic oils aren’t posing an issue.
These citrus essential oils do not cause phototoxic reactions and can be used safely in products for the skin:
- Mandarin (Green) Essential Oil Citrus reticulata
- Steam-distilled Lime Essential Oil Citrus aurantifolia
- Orange (Sweet) Essential Oil Citrus sinensis
Robert Tisserand’s book Essential Oil Safety has some useful guidelines for using citrus oils and avoiding phototoxicity (p.85).
Safe Use of Citrus Essential Oils Per Ounce of Carrier Oil:
Cold Pressed/Expressed Bergamot — 2.4 drops (I just consider this 2 drops per oz)
Cold Pressed/Expressed Lemon — 12 drops per oz
Cold Pressed/Expressed Lime — 4.2 drops (I just consider this 4 drops per oz)
Cold Pressed/Expressed Grapefruit — 24 drops per oz
If you love bright citrus aromas and the wonderful therapeutic properties of citrus essential oils, stock up on sun-safe citrus oils. Remember, all phototoxic oils can be used, as long as they’re applied to areas of the skin that will not be exposed to the sun!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for this!
Gosh this is good news and I can’t wait to share it with my students!
This is great info! What about the other steam distilled EO’s – are they non phototoxic as well?
I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work! Thumbs up
What is the time “rule of thumb” guideline — how much time should you wait before you go out in the sun if you’ve applied the phototoxic oils to areas that will be exposed? Thanks!
Hi,
what if you use sun block on the area that you apply the citrus oil?