Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts that offer incredible benefits—from relaxation to skincare to home aromatherapy. But like anything potent, safety matters. That’s where toxicity ratings come in.
If you've ever wondered, "How much essential oil is too much?" or "Are essential oils safe for kids and pregnancy?"—you’re in the right place! Let's break down the three toxicity ratings in an easy-to-digest way so you can use essential oils wisely and safely.
What Do Toxicity Ratings Mean?
Toxicity ratings measure how much of an essential oil is needed to cause harmful effects. This is determined by something called the LD50 value (Median Lethal Dose), which tests how much of a substance it takes to kill 50% of a test population (usually lab animals).
Sounds a little intense, right? Don’t worry—it’s just a scientific way to categorise safety levels. Let’s break them down.
Rating 1: High Toxicity (Use with Extreme Caution)
- LD50 Value: Less than 1 gram per kg of body weight
- Risk Level: High (Toxic in small amounts)
Essential oils in this category are potent and potentially dangerous if used incorrectly. They contain compounds like camphor, cineole, and methyl salicylate, which can be more toxic to humans than to animals.
Example: Wormwood Essential Oil
- LD50 = 0.96 g/kg
- For a 60 kg adult, a likely lethal dose would be around 60mL (which is a lot!).
- However, smaller amounts can still have toxic effects.
Should You Use These Oils?
- Not recommended for general therapeutic use.
- Can be used in tiny amounts for very specific applications, like:
- Thuya oil for warts.
- Pennyroyal oil in essential oil blends for inhalation (but with extreme caution).
- Never ingest these oils or use them undiluted.
Best Practice: If you’re not an expert, it’s best to avoid these essential oils. There are plenty of safer alternatives!
Rating 2: Moderate Toxicity (Use with Care)
- LD50 Value: Between 1–2 grams per kg of body weight
- Risk Level: Moderate (Safe when used properly)
Essential oils in this category are generally safe, but dosage matters. While they don’t pose extreme toxicity risks, you should still be mindful of concentrations and frequency of use.
Who Should Be Cautious?
- Pregnant Women: Avoid during the first trimester.
- Children Under 7 Years: Use with caution.
- Anyone with Sensitivities: Always patch-test first!
Example Oils: Basil & Rosemary
- These oils belong to Rating 2 but are safe in low doses.
- Pregnancy-safe when diluted to 2.5% or less for topical use.
- Adults can generally use up to 10% concentration for skin applications.
Best Practice: If you’re using these oils for massage, skin, or aromatherapy, dilution is key!
Rating 3: Low Toxicity (Generally Safe for Everyone)
- LD50 Value: More than 2 grams per kg of body weight
- Risk Level: Low (Safe for most uses)
These essential oils are considered safe for all uses, including:
- Pregnant women (unless otherwise contraindicated).
- Children (when properly diluted).
- Aromatherapy, skincare, and home use.
Example Oils:
- Lavender (calming & soothing)
- Chamomile (gentle for skin & sleep)
- Frankincense (great for immunity & relaxation)
Best Practice: Even with safe oils, dilution is still important—especially for babies, kids, and sensitive individuals.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely?
Now that you know the toxicity ratings, let’s go over a few golden rules to enjoy essential oils safely:
1. Dilute, Dilute, Dilute!
Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. Use a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.
General Dilution Guide:
- 1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) → for sensitive skin, kids, elderly
- 2-3% dilution (2-3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) → for general use
- 5-10% dilution (5-10 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) → for short-term therapeutic use
2. Avoid Ingestion (Unless Advised by a Professional)
Just because essential oils are natural doesn’t mean they’re safe to eat or drink. Ingesting oils can be toxic and cause severe internal damage.
3. Be Cautious Around Kids & Pets
- Certain essential oils (like Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint) can be toxic to pets.
- Babies & toddlers have delicate systems—always check safety guidelines before using essential oils around them.
4. Store Oils Properly
Keep your essential oils away from heat, light, and moisture to prevent them from degrading.
5. Patch-Test Before Applying
Apply a diluted drop on your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you experience redness or irritation, don’t use that oil on your skin.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are an amazing way to support wellness, relaxation, and skincare—but understanding toxicity levels is crucial. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils safely and effectively.
Remember:
- Rating 1 = High toxicity (Use with extreme caution)
- Rating 2 = Moderate toxicity (Safe when diluted properly)
- Rating 3 = Low toxicity (Safe for general use)
By choosing the right oils and using them correctly, you’ll unlock their full potential without any risks. At Amrita Court Global, we offer a wide range of high-quality, organic essential oils that have been tested for purity and potency. Explore our collection today and start incorporating these powerful plant extracts into your daily routine!