Essential oils are extremely powerful herbal concentrates that have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is best to avoid using these in high levels over large areas of the body during pregnancy.
It is considered safe to apply low concentrations (less than 0.3%) of essential oils in skin care products on the face only or in rinse-off products such as shampoos and cleansers. Avoid applying them over large areas (over 10% of body surface) during pregnancy. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly on the skin.
Safe essential oils in low concentrations over small areas:
- lavender
- orange
- ylang ylang
- neroli
- eucalyptus
- teatree
- manuka
- cypress
- sandalwood
- patchouli
- geranium
- rose geranium
- german chamomile
- peppermint
- rose
Avoid these essential oils during pregnancy:
- almond
- bitter
- aniseed
- angelica
- basil
- black pepper
- camphor
- cedarwood
- cinnamon
- clary sage
- clove
- fennel
- ginger
- horseradish
- hyssop
- jasmine
- juniper
- lemon
- marjoram
- melissa
- mugwort
- myrrh
- nutmeg
- oregano
- pennyroyal
- pine
- rosemary
- sage
- stinging nettle
- tansy
- thyme
- wintergreen
- wormwood
Don't think you'll be able to remember everything? Here is a PDF that you can download of the oils to avoid.