High Concentration
About 5 kg of rose petals are needed for just 1 ml of rose essential oil. A few drops deliver a powerful effect. Overuse can lead to skin irritation, headaches or nausea.
Important Safety Instructions and Information about Essential Oils
Safety
Essential Oil Safety: The Complete Guide
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences with powerful effects. Here you will learn how to use them safely, responsibly and effectively – from dilution and diffuser use to risk groups and storage.
In short: never apply essential oils undiluted to your skin (always dilute in a carrier oil, 1–2%), keep them away from eyes, mucous membranes, children and pets, store them cool and dark, and do a patch test before first skin use. Used correctly, they are safe.
The 4 Most Important Rules
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Never undiluted on skin
Always dilute with a carrier oil
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Avoid eyes and mucous membranes
Rinse immediately if contact occurs
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Keep away from children and pets
Store securely with caps tightly closed
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Patch test before first use
Especially for sensitive skin
Why Proper Use Matters
Essential oils are not harmless fragrances – they contain hundreds of bioactive compounds in highly concentrated form. A single drop of peppermint oil equals about 28 cups of peppermint tea. This concentration makes them effective, but it demands respect and knowledge.
Individual Reactions
Everyone reacts differently. What is soothing for one person may trigger an allergic reaction in another. That is why the patch test is so important.
Used Correctly = Safe
When you follow the basic guidelines, essential oils are safe and enriching. Millions of people use them daily. It is about knowledge, not fear.
Quick Answers to the Most Common Questions
Are essential oils toxic?
Used correctly, no. They are safe when properly diluted and dosed. Problems arise from undiluted use, overdosing or low-quality oils. Their high concentration calls for respect, not fear.
Do essential oils expire?
Yes. Citrus oils last about 1–2 years, floral oils 2–3 years, wood oils 3–5 years. An oxidised oil smells harsh or rancid and can irritate the skin: better not to use it.
Can they be ingested?
It depends on the product. Essential oils are meant for diffusion and diluted skin use – internally only with qualified guidance. Edible oils like black cumin, pumpkin seed or MCT oil and our supplements are, however, intended for consumption. Always check the product label.
What is a carrier oil?
A neutral plant oil (jojoba, almond, MCT) that “carries” the essential oil onto the skin and dilutes it, lowering the concentration and preventing irritation. Without a carrier oil, essential oils are too intense for skin.
Dilute correctly
Skin Application
Always Dilute
Never apply essential oils undiluted to the skin. Always dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Standard dosage for adults: 1–2 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil (approx. 1%).
Perform a Patch Test
Before using a new oil for the first time: apply the diluted blend to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If redness, itching or swelling occurs, stop using the oil. Details on our patch test page.
Phototoxic Oils
Certain citrus oils such as bergamot, lemon and grapefruit are phototoxic – they can cause skin reactions with sunlight. After applying to the skin, avoid direct sun for at least 12 hours.
Essential Oil Dilution Chart
| Application | Dilution | Drops per 10 ml Carrier Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Facial care | 0.5–1% | 1 drop |
| Body care / Massage | 1–2% | 2–4 drops |
| Bath additive | – | 3–5 drops (with emulsifier) |
| Children (ages 6+) | 0.5% | 1 drop |
Diffuser Use
Dosage
3–5 drops per fill are enough for a room of 15–20 m². Less is more – overdosing can cause headaches and irritate the airways. Start with fewer drops and increase if needed.
Duration
Use the diffuser in interval mode: 30–60 minutes on, then 30 minutes off. Continuous use is not recommended. Your nose adapts to the scent – breaks keep the effect fresh.
Ventilation
Only use the diffuser in well-ventilated rooms. In a small, enclosed space oils can become too intense – especially for sensitive individuals. A slightly open window helps.
Risk Groups: Pregnancy, Children, Pets
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Some oils can have labour-inducing or hormonal effects – including rosemary, camphor, sage and cinnamon. During pregnancy and breastfeeding: always consult your doctor first. Lavender and mandarin are generally considered safe at low doses.
Children
Under 6 years: only use essential oils after consulting a paediatrician. Peppermint, eucalyptus and camphor in particular are unsuitable for young children – they can trigger respiratory spasms.
Pets
Cats lack a liver enzyme needed to metabolise certain terpenes. Tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon and citrus oils can be toxic to cats. Dogs are less sensitive, but caution is still advised. Only run the diffuser in a room the pet can leave.
Storage and Shelf Life
The Right Place
Store essential oils in a cool, dry and dark place – ideally in the original bottle (dark glass). Sunlight and heat accelerate oxidation and destroy valuable compounds.
Shelf Life
Citrus oils: 1–2 years. Floral oils (lavender, rose): 2–3 years. Wood oils (Swiss stone pine, sandalwood): 3–5 years, they even improve with age. Always keep the bottle tightly sealed – oxygen is the greatest enemy.
Spotting Oxidation
An oxidised oil smells harsh, rancid or “chemical” instead of fresh. The scent loses its nuances. Oxidised oils can cause skin irritation – when in doubt, dispose of them rather than take a risk.
How Long Do Essential Oils Last?
What to Do in an Emergency
Eye Contact
Immediately rinse with a fatty oil (olive oil, almond oil) – not with water, as essential oils do not dissolve in water. Then rinse with lukewarm water. If discomfort persists: seek medical attention.
Skin Reaction
If redness, burning or a rash occurs: immediately dab the area with plenty of carrier oil to dilute. Cool with a damp cloth. For severe reactions: seek medical advice.
Accidental Swallowing
Do not induce vomiting. Drink some milk or a fatty oil to protect the mucous membranes. If a larger amount was swallowed or you feel unwell: contact poison control immediately (Ireland: 01 809 2166, UK: 111, US: 1-800-222-1222) or call emergency services.
Why Quality Matters
Most safety issues arise from low-quality or adulterated oils. Synthetic fragrances sold as “natural” can cause allergies and irritation that simply do not occur with genuine, pure oils. At Viworo you get exclusively 100% pure organic oils. Discover our oils →
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety
Can I apply essential oils directly to my skin?
No, essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin. Always dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. The standard dilution for adults is 1–2% (1–2 drops per 10 ml).
Can essential oils be ingested?
It depends on the product. Our essential oils are intended for aromatic and external use; for internal use always consult a doctor or a qualified person. We also offer edible oils such as black cumin oil, pumpkin seed oil and MCT oil, plus supplements (plant extracts, Noni) that are meant to be consumed. Always follow the labelling on the individual product.
How long do essential oils last?
It depends on the oil: citrus oils last 1–2 years, floral oils like lavender 2–3 years, wood oils like Swiss stone pine 3–5 years. Store cool, dark and tightly sealed. If an oil smells harsh or rancid, it is oxidised and should be discarded.
Are essential oils dangerous for cats?
Yes, some essential oils are toxic to cats. Cats lack a liver enzyme needed to metabolise terpenes. Tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove and citrus oils in particular are problematic. Only run the diffuser in rooms the cat can leave.
How many drops in the diffuser?
3–5 drops per fill are enough for a room of 15–20 m². For larger rooms you can go up to 6–8 drops. Use the diffuser in interval mode (30–60 minutes on, then a break) rather than continuously.
Can I use essential oils during pregnancy?
Some oils are unsuitable during pregnancy (e.g. rosemary, sage, camphor, cinnamon). Lavender and mandarin are considered safe at low doses. Always consult your doctor or midwife before use – especially in the first trimester.
Enjoy Safely: Quality Makes the Difference
Pure organic oils, used correctly, are perfectly safe. Poor quality is the real risk. At Viworo you will find only guaranteed quality.