âNaturalâ doesnât always mean âsafeââespecially when it comes to sensitive skin. Essential oils are often used in clean beauty to scent or preserve products, but they can cause just as many reactions as synthetic fragrances.
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Why Essential Oils Irritate
Essential oils are made up of volatile compounds that evaporate quickly and release aroma. These compoundsâlike linalool, limonene, and eugenolâcan be:
âď¸Phototoxic (reactive in sunlight)
âď¸Sensitizing (causing cumulative damage over time)
âď¸Allergenic (triggering histamine reactions)
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Most Common Offenders
âď¸Lavender: Calming? Yes. But it contains linalool, which oxidizes and becomes irritating.
âď¸Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot): Highly phototoxic and reactive.
âď¸Tea Tree Oil: Popular for acne, but often causes dryness or peeling.
âď¸Peppermint/Eucalyptus: Cooling effect, but a known irritant for rosacea-prone skin.
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Just because itâs âplant-basedâ doesnât mean itâs skin-safe. For sensitive skin, fragrance-free and essential-oil-free products are almost always the better choice.
Make informed choices for your sensitive skin. Explore the carefully curated, essential-oil-free options available. Buy now