In our reference data, Essential Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne); is a fragrance ingredient.
Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds extracted from plants, used in skincare for fragrance and claimed antimicrobial or antioxidant benefits. Their cosmetic value is often outweighed by their irritation and sensitization potential.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Common | Many essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender, ylang-ylang) are well-documented contact allergens, especially when oxidized. |
Skin irritation | Common | Can cause redness, stinging, or burning, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Phototoxicity | Uncommon | Citrus-derived oils containing furocoumarins (e.g., bergamot) may cause photosensitivity reactions with sun exposure. |
Pigmentation changes | Rare | Berloque dermatitis from phototoxic oils can leave residual hyperpigmentation. |
Systemic toxicity | Very rare | Reported with ingestion or extensive misuse of concentrated oils, not typical of topical cosmetic use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.