Phototoxic Essential Oils

We know that once summer hits, you just want to get outside under the sun in shorts and a tank top. We also know that as a REVIVE customer, you are probably using some of your favorite Essential Oils at the same time. That means that it is important for us to bring up the subject of phototoxicity/photosensitization and how to use Essential Oils in the summer sun or under UV rays.

What is Phototoxicity?

Photosensitivity/phototoxicity is a skin irritation that can happen when certain Essential Oils are exposed to UV rays. As you know, Essential Oils are made up of different chemical constituents. One of these is furocoumarins, otherwise known as FCs. Not all FCs are phototoxic but you should look out for these ones: bergapten, methoxsalen, psoralen, and oxypeucedanin.

These particular components can become “activated” when exposed to sunlight or artificial UV light (like a tanning bed). This type of activation takes place when an Essential Oil that contains enough FCs is worn topically during exposure. Inflammation, burning, reddened skin, blistering, and peeling can all be the result of ultra violet subjection. In general, you want to abstain from UV exposure for at least 12 hours after applying a phototoxic Essential Oil to avoid these risks.

What Essential Oils are Phototoxic?

For the most part, cold pressed citrus oils are the ones with the highest levels of FCs, but not every citrus is phototoxic. In addition, there are a few other oils that you need to be wary of. If you plan on wearing citrus oils topically in the summer, reach for steam distilled oils which are free of furocoumarins. Here is a list of phototoxic Essential Oils that you should be cautious with…(compiled from Tisserand and Young’s Essential Oil Safety)