Essential Oil Index:  Biblical Oils     Rare and Exotic Oils     Common Essential Oils

Information Index:  About Our Oils     Essential Oil Safety    Essential Oil Uses

Victorie Inc. Essential Oil Safety

Our essential oil labels contain the following information:  Common Plant Name, Scientific Name,

Place of Origin, Type of Distillation, Amount of Oil, and Safety Precaution Information.

Safety Guidelines:  In general, commonly available essential oils are safe to use for aromatherapy or household purposes.  However, due to their high concentration and potency it is important to be aware of the following safety information that applies to all of our oils. 

A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using any essential oil.  This is to determine if you may be allergic or have a sensitization reaction to the oil.

1) Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets. 

2) Pregnant women and persons with health problems must consult doctor. 

3) Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. 

4) We do not recommend using essential oils internally.  It is outside of the scope of our training and requires a proper medical diagnosis from a qualified practitioner.  Aromatherapists can not prescribe medicine.  You can also read this book and get a better understanding about the limitations of using essential oils internally.

5) Products made with natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions with some individuals.  

Victorie Essential Oils uses the following codes to identify additional safety precautions about each essential oil.  This guide was developed by Victorie Inc. for our essential oils only. 

A:  Generally considered safe.

B:  Skin irritant  (strong) and mucus membrane irritant (moderate). 

     Restricted level of use in products. 

C:  Skin and mucous membrane irritant.  Dilution required.

D:  Oil may cause skin irritation in people with very sensitive, or damaged skin or

     can cause allergic reaction.

E:  Very sensitizing allergen which could cause dermatitis.  Use caution.

F:  Oil should be used in moderation due to toxicity levels.

G:  Photosensitivity - direct exposure to sunlight after use could cause dermatitis.

H:  Hazardous Oral toxin.

I:   Avoid if you have high blood pressure.

J:  Avoid if you have epilepsy.

K:  No formal testing.  Use caution.

L:  Avoid if you have diabetes.

Contact Sensitization (Redness or irritation of the skin due) can occur if an individual repeatedly uses the same essential oil.  To avoid contact sensitization, it is recommended that individuals rotate or use different oils.

Storage:  Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles or vials.  However, essential oils can be packaged in clear glass bottles or vials if they are stored in a box or dark carrying case.  All essential oils should be kept at a moderate to cool temperature and away from children and pets.

Being natural products, essential oils are prone to variations due to geographic location, altitude, climate, season, methods of collection, wild or clonal change and method of distillation.  Example:  Oils obtained from one location during different seasons in the year can show variations in the chemical analysis and scent. 

Safety Guidelines Part Two

Hazardous Oils:  Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood. 

Toxicity:  Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximum of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are:  Ajowan, Anise Star, Basil (exotic), Bay Laurel, Bay (West Indian), Camphor (white), Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagests, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Turmeric, Valerian.

Dermal/Skin Irritation:  Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration:  Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet),  Black Pepper, Boreol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Tyyme (white) and Turmeric.

Sensitization:  Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.  Always do a patch test before using a new oil to check for individual sensitization.  Oils which may cause sensitization include:  Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Canagaa, Cedarwood (Virginian), Chamomile (Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (melissa), Litsea Cubeba, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Orange, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch and long-leaf), Styrax, Tea Tree, Thyme (white), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.

Phototoxicity:  Some oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight.  Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin, if the area will be exposed to the sun:  Angelica Root, Bergamot (except bergapten-free type), Cumin, Ginger, Lemon (expressed), Lime (expressed), Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.

High Blood Pressure:  Avoid the following oils in cases of high-hypertension:  Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme.

Epilepsy:  Fennel (sweet).

Diabetes:  Hyssop, Rosemary, Angelica, and Sage (all types).

Homeopathy:  Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with the following:  Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.

For more information on essential oils and their uses, we suggest reading books on the subject.

We offer therapeutic grade oils, and they should be used with care.  All information, content and product descriptions are for reference and educational purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. Information and statements regarding Victorie Inc. products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.

Victorie Inc. takes no responsibility for how you use the information provided within our  website.  All information, content and product descriptions are for reference and educational purposes.  

Victorie Inc. does not endorse anyone obtaining or using information from our website to make or sell products and is not liable for the actions or products made by other individuals, businesses, or companies.  No portion of our website may be copied or duplicated.