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The Daily Insight

Which oils are phototoxic

Author

Mia Morrison

Published Feb 26, 2026

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)Lime (cold pressed) (Citrus medica)Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)Angelica root (Angelica archangelica)Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)Lemon (Citrus limon)Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Which essential oils are photosensitizing?

All of Young Living’s essential oils that cause photosensitivity are labeled. Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Peace & Calming®, Stress Away™, Citrus Fresh™, Gentle Baby™, and Joy™ are some of Young Living’s popular oils that cause photosensitivity, but other oils can come with these risks as well.

Which essential oils are Phytotoxic?

Based on the ED50 values, three oils, namely caraway, thyme and peppermint, were classified as the most phytotoxic (Table 2). The ED50 values were in the range of 0.04–0.51 g l−1 for caraway oil, 0.09–1.15 g l−1 for thyme oil and 0.06–1.03 g l−1 for peppermint oil.

Which of the following essential oils can cause phototoxic reactions?

  • Angelica Root.
  • Bergamot (Cold-pressed)
  • Bitter Orange (Cold-pressed)
  • Cumin.
  • Fig Leaf Absolute.
  • Grapefruit (Cold-pressed)
  • Key Lime (Cold-pressed)
  • Lemon (Cold-pressed)

Which essential oils are not photosensitive?

  • Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia)
  • Lime – steam distilled (Citrus x aurantifolia) (found in our Sweet Oasis Blend)
  • Red Mandarin (Citrus nobilis)
  • Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
  • Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
  • Blood Orange (Citrus x sinensis)

Is patchouli phototoxic?

All citrus essential oils and some others, such as patchouli, are phototoxic, even when diluted.

Is Ylang Ylang phototoxic?

Photosensitivity: Take care with all citrus oils when you are in sunlight or exposed to ultravoiolet light. The most photosensitive oil is bergamot, which can be purchased bergaptene-free. … The best oils to use are roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, petitgrain sur fleur, rose and ylang ylang.

Is Lemongrass essential oil phototoxic?

Although cold pressed Lemon Essential Oil is phototoxic, steam distilled Lemongrass Essential Oil is not phototoxic. However, Lemongrass Essential Oil is abundant in citral (geranial and neral). It can pose a significant risk of skin sensitization when used over 0.7% in topical applications.

What does phototoxic mean?

A condition in which the skin or eyes become very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of light. It can be caused by taking certain drugs, or rubbing certain essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants) or other topical agents into the skin. Phototoxicity causes sunburn, blisters, and other skin problems.

Is citronella essential oil photosensitive?

Citronella is the first go-to essential oil for most folks. This essential oil is the most commonly used oil in insect repellents. … They blend well together and aren’t photosensitive so you can be secure in wearing these oils out in the sun.

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Is Neroli photosensitive?

The complex aroma of Neroli essential oil may leave you puzzling over how to categorize it. … However, unlike Orange essential oil or other citrus oils, it is not photosensitive—so you can still get some sun and work on a tan after applying it.

Is Wild orange essential oil phototoxic?

Most of the essential oils that cause this photosensitive reaction from the sun are citrus oils. … According to the research reported in Tisserand and Young’s book, Essential Oil Safety, the following citrus essential oils are not phototoxic: Mandarin essential oil. Wild orange/Sweet orange essential oil.

Is Neroli essential oil phototoxic?

Purify: With its antibacterial properties, Neroli Essential is the ultimate cleanser, thanks to its purifying citrus elements. However, unlike other citrus Essential Oils like Lemon Oil or Sweet Orange Oil, it is not phototoxic so doesn’t increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Is PanAway photosensitive?

Because it can cause photosensitivity, you should avoid direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays for up to 12 hours after you apply PanAway oil to your skin.

What carrier oils are photosensitive?

  • Angelica Root Angelica archangelica.
  • Bergamot (Cold Pressed) Citrus aurantium var. …
  • Bitter Orange (Cold Pressed) Citrus aurantium var. …
  • Cassia Cinnamomum cassia.
  • Cedarwood Cedrus atlanticum.
  • Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Is Sandalwood essential oil phototoxic?

Also, oils of lemon, lavender, lime, sandalwood and cedar are known to elicit cutaneous phototoxic reactions, but lavender, sandalwood and cedar oil did not induce photohaemolysis in our assay.

Is bergamot essential oil photosensitive?

Photosensitivity. Among the essential oils known to increase light sensitivity, only the citrus oils are widely used. Oils of bergamot, lemon and lime are the most commonly reported causes of photosensitivity (see Ch.

Is white grapefruit essential oil phototoxic?

White Grapefruit Essential Oil is phototoxic. Avoid topical use within 4 hours of exposure to the sun.

Why do hippies wear patchouli?

Some experts suggest that strong-smelling patchouli oil was used by hippies to mask the smell of marijuana that they have used. It was also effective in masking the smell of alcohol. The hippie culture emphasized unbounded love and inclusiveness.

Is frankincense poisonous?

Frankincense is natural, but like many other natural substances, it can be poisonous. Some people who have used frankincense extract have experienced: stomach pain. nausea.

Is pink grapefruit essential oil phototoxic?

Those essential oils which are not known to be phototoxic include: expressed sweet orange (Citrus sinensis); interestingly, distilled sweet orange oil is phototoxic (Lawless, Julia, 1995). … amara) essential oil – which is phototoxic. grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) – although there are differing opinions on this one.

How long does phototoxicity last?

It usually lasts 2-4 days after UVL exposure is stopped, but in some instances, it may persist for months.

What causes phototoxicity?

Phototoxicity. This is the most common type of sun-sensitivity drug reaction. It can occur when skin is exposed to the sun after certain medications are injected, taken orally, or applied to the skin. The drug absorbs the UV light, then releases it into the skin, causing cell death.

How is phototoxicity treated?

The mainstays of treatment of drug-induced photosensitivity include identification and avoidance of the causative agent, the use of sun protection, and the institution of measures for symptomatic relief. Topical corticosteroids and cool compresses may alleviate drug-induced photosensitivity.

Is citronella a phototoxic?

CAUTION. Cympopogon nardus essential oil has been formally tested for safety and found to be non-toxic, very mildly irritant and non-phototoxic. … Despite the reputation of citronella to successfully repel insects, we do not recommend that you rely solely on the oil.

What essential oils are bad for the liver?

Peppermint is used for gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s important to choose the correct species of mint, as some types are poisonous; for example, pennyroyal oil is very poisonous to the liver. Wintergreen is used in some over-the-counter skin preparations to relieve pain.

Is tea tree essential oil photosensitive?

Tea Tree Essential Oil can be used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and in household cleaning supplies. … Sun exposure should be avoided after using the oil, as the oil can sensitize the skin to UV rays.

Is oregano oil photosensitive?

Interactions. In general, essential oils tend to be photosensitive. To avoid this interaction, stay away from direct sunlight or sun beds after applying oregano essential oil to prevent skin burn. Do not apply oregano essential oil after perspiring; the combination of the oil and sweat could cause irritation.

Is sweet orange essential oil photosensitive?

Citrusy essential oils, such as Sweet Orange are the most common photosensitive essential oils. This is because citrus-based oils contain compounds called furanocoumarins that increase UV sensitivity. … You should also stay away from the sun for at least a day after using these oils.

Is Yarrow pom photosensitive?

The chamazulene in yarrow is responsible for its striking deep blue color while soothing skin, body, and mind. … Obviously, avoid use if allergic to yarrow. Skin photosensitivity can also occur with prolonged use.

What does Ylang Ylang smell like?

Ylang ylang can be described as a deep, rich aroma that’s slightly sweet and floral. It brings hints of custard, jasmine, banana, neroli (bitter orange), honey and spice. It also bears characteristics of earthiness and greenery. Some people detect a subtle rubbery or metallic note with this essential oil.