Chemical Sensitivities and Allergies

Sixth Edition Essential oils Desk Reference page 49-50

Chemical Sensitivities and Allergies 

Occasionally, individuals beginning to use quality essential oils will suffer rashes or allergic reactions. This may be due to using an undiluted spice, conifer, or citrus oil; or it may be caused by an interaction of the oil with residues of synthetic, petroleum-based, personal care products that have leached into the skin. 

When using essential oils on a daily basis, it is imperative to avoid personal care products containing ammonium or hydrocarbon-based chemicals. These include quaternary compounds such as quaternariums and polyquaternariums. These chemicals can fatal if ingested, especially benzalkonium chloride, unfortunately, is used in many personal care products on the market. 

Other chemicals such as aluminium compounds, FD&C colours, formaldehyde, all parabens, talc, thimerosal, mercury, and titanium dioxide, just to name a few, are all toxic to the body and should be avoided. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of hand creams, mouthwashes, shampoos, antiperspirants, after-shave lotions, and hair-care products.

Other compounds that present concerns are sodium oils lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol-extremely common in everything from toothpaste to shampoo--and aluminium salts found in many deodorants. 

Of particular concern are the potentially hazardous preservatives and synthetic fragrances that abound in virtually all modern personal-care products. Some to of these include methylene chloride, methyl isobutyl ketone, and methyl ethyl ketone. These are not only toxic, but they can also react with some compounds in natural essential oils. The result can be a severe case of dermatitis or even septicemia (blood poisoning). 

A classic case of a synthetic fragrance causing widespread damage occurred in the 1970s. AETT (acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin) appeared in numerous brands of personal care products throughout the United States. Even after a series of animal studies revealed that it caused significant brain and spinal cord damage, the FDA refused to ban the chemical. Finally, the cosmetic industry voluntarily withdrew AETT after allowing it to be distributed for years. 

How many other toxins masquerading as preservatives or fragrances are currently being used in personal-care products? 

Many chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin due to its permeability. One study found that 13 percent of BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene) and 49 percent of DDT (a carcinogenic pesticide) can be absorbed into the skin upon topical contact.

Once absorbed, many chemicals can become trapped in the fatty subdermal layers of skin, where they can leach into the bloodstream. They can remain trapped for several months or years until a topical substance like an essential oil starts to move them from their resting place and cause them to come out of the skin in an uncomfortable way. Besides skin irritation, you could experience nausea, headaches, and other slight temporary effects during this detoxifying process.  Even in small concentrations, these chemicals and synthetic compounds are toxic and can compromise one's health. 

It is all about what chemicals were used, how much, how long, and perhaps the level of toxicity in your body. 

Essential oils have been known to digest toxic substances, and so when they come in contact with chemical residue on the skin, the oils start to work against them. 

The user may mistakenly assume that the threat of an interaction between oils and synthetic cosmetics used months before is small. However, a case of dermatitis is always a possibility. 

Essential oils do not cause skin problems, rashes, or eruptions on the skin; but they may, only indirectly, as they go after the chemicals. Do not make the mistake of blaming the essential oils. Just be glad this chemical residue is coming out of your body. You can always reduce the amount of oil you are using or stop the use of any oil for a couple of days and then start again slowly. You can also use V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, other vegetable or massage oils, or natural creams to dilute the oils.