Essential Oils and Phototoxicity

Did you know that certain oils are phototoxic? All of the citrus oils are considered generally phototoxic. The method of extraction (cold pressed or steam distillation) of the oil determines the phototoxicity.  To be on the safe side, if  you do not know if it was cold pressed or steam distilled, I would consider it phototoxic. Essential oils that are cold pressed are phototoxic, while steam distilled oils are generally not phototoxic. 

Phototoxicity is a reaction on the skin to sunlight or tanning beds due to an agent, like essential oils, being applied  to the skin. A phototoxic reaction can cause burning, blistering, and discoloration (abnormally dark patches and red areas) on the skin. Some essential oils are termed “phototoxic,” since they increase the likelihood of a phototoxic reaction.






Here is a list of essential oils that are considered phototoxic:

Lemon                                                    Invigorating Blend
Lime                                                       Joyful Blend
Orange                                                   Massage Blend
Bergamot                                               Metabolic Blend
Grapefruit                                               Protective Blend
Cleansing Blend                                     Respiratory Blend

  
If you apply these essential oils to an area covered by clothing and then go out in the sun, you'll be fine. The phototoxic reaction only occurs if the skin, where the essential oil is applied, is exposed to the sun (or tanning booth). Obviously, the longer the skin is exposed to the sun, the more harm it can do.

Diluting the essential oils in fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil, reduces the risk of phototoxicity.