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Phototoxicity

Phototoxicity, or photosensitization, is a reaction caused when essential oils on the skin are exposed to UV light – whether from the sun or from a tanning bed. Reactions can be severe, and even permanent. Here are some of the signs of phototoxicity:

• severe sunburn
• blistering
• changes in the color of your skin
• edema (swelling)

These reactions can occur up to two days after phototoxic oils are applied to skin and exposed to UV light.

The following essential oils are phototoxic, although in varying degrees:

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Bitter Orange (Citrus x aurantium)
• Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi)
• Lemon, cold pressed (Citrus x aurantium)
• Lime, cold pressed (Citrus x aurantifolia)
• Opopanax (Commiphora guidotti)

The following citrus essential oils are not phototoxic, contrary to popular thought:

• Lemon, steam distilled (Citrus x limon)
• Lime, steam distilled (Citrus x aurantifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Tangerine (Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis)
• furanocoumarin/bergapten-free Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) (I bought mine here)

Here is a chart showing which citrus essential oils are phototoxic and which are not:

You can still use essential oils labeled “phototoxic” as long as you do so safely.

Here is a list of essential oils along with the maximum number of drops allowed per ounce of carrier oil before they will cause phototoxic reactions:

• Bergamot – 1 drop
• Bitter Orange – 8 drops
• Grapefruit – 24 drops
• Lemon (cold pressed) – 12 drops
• Lime (cold pressed) 4 drops
• Opopanax – unknown

Note: using phototoxic essential oils in a soap or by other means which you wash them off does not put you at risk for phototoxicity. It’s only when they remain on the skin during skin exposure.

Excerpt taken from the e-report, Using Essential Oils Safely. FREE when you sign up for our newsletter here.

Further Reading (from other websites):

• Limes Caused Burns on 5 girls