Did you know that some essential oils—yes, even popular ones—can actually harm your skin, especially if you have mature or sensitive skin? It’s important to know the essential oils to avoid for skin to protect your complexion.
I want to help you feel confident and informed about how to safely use essential oils in your skincare routine—because while essential oils are powerful and beneficial, they also need to be used with care.
Remember, knowing the essential oils to avoid for skin is as important as knowing which ones to embrace for their benefits.
Identifying the essential oils to avoid for skin can help you curate a skincare regimen that prioritizes safety and health.
Let’s walk through which essential oils to avoid, which ones are great for mature skin, and how to make sure you’re getting all the benefits without the downsides.
Understanding the essential oils to avoid for skin is crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin.
If you would like to watch my video where I talk with you about the dos and donts of essential oils please click on the video shown below.
Essential Oils to Avoid for Skin: A Critical Guide
Ultimately, knowledge about essential oils to avoid for skin will enhance your overall skin care experience.
Many people are unaware of the essential oils to avoid for skin, which can aggravate sensitivities and lead to irritation.
1. Citrus Oils – Sneaky Skin Saboteurs
Citrus essential oils like lemon, lime, and especially bergamot smell amazing and are emotionally uplifting. But they also come with a catch: photosensitivity.
That means these are essential oils that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, increasing the risk of:
Awareness of essential oils to avoid for skin can lead to healthier choices and improved skin health over time.
- Sunburn
- Premature aging
- Even skin cancer
If you want to use citrus oils on your skin, look for “BF” (bergapten-free) versions—these have had the phototoxic compounds removed. We use the BF version of bergamot in our Bay Rum Shampoo Bar to make it safer for your scalp and skin.
Bottom line: Skip citrus oils for your face and daily body products—especially if you’re going to be exposed to sunlight.
2. Mint Family Oils – Too Harsh for Delicate Skin
Mint oils like peppermint and wintergreen are cooling and invigorating, but they’re also too strong for use on sensitive facial skin or large areas of the body.
- Peppermint can be used safely in small amounts—we include it in our lip balm, Good Morning Mint Soap, and Peppermint Lotion Bar (always in very low concentrations).
- Wintergreen, on the other hand, is toxic and should never be used in skincare.
Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Even widely-used oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can be toxic if misused—especially for pets. (Never use tea tree oil on dogs!)
I wanted to make sure you were aware of which essential oils to avoid for skin, but quite a few that are super helpful for skin and that’s what I am going to cover next.
Additionally, be mindful of the essential oils to avoid for skin that may trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Essential Oils That Love Your Skin (Especially Mature Skin!)
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! These essential oils are particularly beneficial for mature skin, and I use them every day in my own routine. I’ve been using my face serum since I turned 50—I’m now 68—and I truly believe it’s helped keep my skin healthy and glowing (without makeup!).
1. Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Understanding the essential oils to avoid for skin will empower you to make informed choices about your skincare ingredients.
- Scent: Lightly earthy
- Benefits:
- Packed with antioxidants like vitamin A and E
- Promotes cell regeneration
- Helps reduce wrinkles and inflammation
- Gentle enough for twice-daily use on the face
You’ll find it in both our Anti-Aging Face Serum and our Carrot Seed Complexion Bar.
2. Frankincense Essential Oil
- Scent: Warm and exotic
- Benefits:
- Used for centuries (yes, this was one of the Magi gifts!)
- Helps calm inflammation
- Encourages healing and relaxation
- Reduces stress—great for skincare and self-care
We love how it acts like a mini spa experience in a bottle.
3. Patchouli Essential Oil
- Scent: Deep, earthy
- Benefits:
- Great for dry or flaky skin
- Soothing and calming to the nervous system
- Reduces stress and supports emotional well-being
This is another ingredient in our Anti-Aging Face Serum—it’s ideal for keeping skin soft and stress-free.
Why the Right Blend Matters
When it comes to essential oils, it’s not just about choosing a “good” oil—it’s about creating the right combination in the right proportions. That’s why we blend carrot seed, frankincense, patchouli, and rosewood in our Anti-Aging Face Serum—each one supports and enhances the others.
We dilute everything to skin-safe levels, so you can enjoy the benefits without worry. I personally use this serum twice a day, every day.
Final Takeaways: Be Smart About Essential Oils
To wrap up, here are a few key things to remember:
- Not all essential oils are safe for facial use—especially citrus and mint oils.
- More isn’t better. High concentrations can cause irritation.
- Know your sources—look for quality oils and products made by experienced formulators.
- Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe—wintergreen, for example, is completely toxic.
- Blending matters—well-formulated products are safer and more effective than DIY guesses.
If you want to learn more about Essential Oils this is my favorite book which is extremely comprehensive:
Julia Lawless, Illustrated Encylopedia of Essential Oils
Please note that this is an affiliate link which I may receive a small amount of revenue from but does not affect the price you pay.
For further reading on essential oils to avoid for skin, I highly recommend exploring expert resources and guides.