How to Perform a Patch Test

Photo by eggybird.

Allergies to essential oils are unusual. However, some essential oils can irritate sensitive skin which is why it is important to perform a patch test prior to using essential oils on a large area of the body. Everyone is different so one oil which irritates the skin of one person may not affect another.

To perform a patch test, mix one drop of the essential oil that you wish to use in a teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil (grape seed or sweet almond oil). Rub a small amount of the blend on the inside of your forearm and leave on over night. If you are sensitive to the oil, redness, inflammation, or itching may occur. If any of these occur, discontinue use of the essential oil. If no reaction occurs, it is safe to use the oil.

If you are going to make a blend of essential oils for use, it is best to test each individual essential oil as above so that you can work out which oil if any is causing a problem and then you can amend your blend accordingly.

Essential oils must never be applied undiluted to the skin except tea tree and lavender.