How Essential Oils Can Cause You Serious Harm

Do Not Use Photosensitive Essential Oils In Direct Sunlight Or UV Light

Photosensitive essential oils, also known as phototoxic oils, that contain furocoumarins can cause severe burns and increase the risk of developing skin cancer when exposed to direct sunlight or UV light. The burns are caused by applying the photosensitive oils to skin before getting exposed to UV light.

If uncertain about whether the essential oils being used contain furocoumarins, stay safe by avoiding direct sunlight and UV light after applying it. Some essential oils that contain them include angelica root, bergamot, grapefruit, cold-pressed lemon, cold-pressed lime, mandarin leaf, bitter orange, and rue. Essential oils that are safe to use in the sun include steam distilled bergamot, steam distilled lemon, steam distilled lime, cold-pressed mandarin, cold-pressed sweet orange, and cold-pressed tangerine.