I love the coziness of the holidays, whether it’s the soft glow of candles, aromatic diffusers, or handmade gifts. Now that the windows are closed, it’s a great time to bring the warmth of essential oils into your home. But there are cautions that essential oil lovers should know. In this post, I’ll share the top essential oil safety tips for the holidays to help you enjoy holiday scents without risking skin reactions, respiratory problems, or upsetting little ones (including pets).
Why Safety Matters
I often hear that people are looking for “natural” alternatives but natural doesn’t always mean safe for everyone. Essential oils are concentrated plant essences, and if you are allergic to a lavender plant or a cedarwood tree, you are probably allergic to the essential oil too.
Essential oils can irritate mucous membranes – that means your eyes and nose. They can upset digestion, trigger a headache or irritate the respiratory system.
Around the holidays, when homes are full of guests, pets, and children (and maybe a few too many scented candles) knowing essential oil safety tips can save you from a festive faux pas.
Diffusing and Candles: What to Do (and Not Do)
- Diffuse with moderation — then give breaks. If you’re using a diffuser, treat it like a scented tea: run it for 30–60 minutes, then turn it off for a similar amount of time. Continuous diffusion all day can overload the senses, for both humans and for your pet. Many diffusers come with timers. Be sure to know what timers exist on the device that you are interested in purchasing, and choose a model that has a timer of 30 or 60 minutes. For suggestions on essential oil diffusers check out this blog!
- Always ventilate rooms. Keep windows or doors open when diffusing, especially if people with sensitivities, asthma, or pets are around. It’s always a good idea to have the air in your room circulate. It’s even more important when diffusing, especially if you have pets. Give animals the opportunity to leave the room if they are feeling bothered, and be extra mindful if you have a cat. Cats lack an enzyme in their liver that breaks down essential oils so they can build up in your cat’s system.
- Avoid naked flames near oils. Essential oils are flammable. Using them near candle flames or open heat sources can be dangerous. Avoid using an essential oil burner that needs a flame. Seek out terra cotta diffusers or reed diffusers if you do not like diffusers that use water.
Help keep your home festive and safe with these holiday essential oil safety tips.
Safety with Kids
Children, especially babies and toddlers, aren’t small adults. They metabolize and respond to our world differently.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind with aromatherapy around kids:
- Never apply undiluted oils on skin. Always dilute oils in a carrier oil (like jojoba or olive oil). For children, safe dilutions depend on age and the essential oil that you are using. Speak to a professional for specific safety guidelines.
- Avoid baths with oils unless properly diluted. Oils don’t mix with water; undiluted droplets float in bath water and stick to skin, potentially in sensitive areas. That can cause irritation burns or more.
- Skip oils for kids under a certain age. Do not use essential oils with children under 2 years old. For toddlers and young kids under the age of 15, it’s best to speak to a professional for guidelines on using particular essential oils, as they are not all the same.
- Store oils safely. Keep bottles locked away and out of reach. Children should not be able to get their hands on your essential oils bottles at all.
Always watch for skin reactions (redness, rashes), breathing difficulties, or allergic responses. When in doubt, wait or skip it.
Pets at Home? Be Extra Careful
Pets process scents and chemicals differently than humans do, and many popular essential oils can be dangerous for them.
Here’s how to stay safe around furry family members:
- Avoid known toxic oils for pets. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, pine, wintergreen and others are especially risky for both cats and dogs.
- Diffusion only (if at all). Never apply oils directly to pet fur or skin. If you diffuse, do it in a large, well-ventilated area and allow pets to leave the room easily.
- Watch for warning signs. If your pet starts coughing, sneezing, drooling, vomiting, seems lethargic or agitated, discontinue immediately and don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
- Consider alternatives. When in doubt, choose pet safe fragrance options (like unscented products, safe potpourri, or pet-safe odor neutralizers) instead of essential oils.
Protect all members of your household with holiday essential oil safety tips.
Gifting Essential Oils: What to Check Before You Gift
Holiday gifts are often about wellness, calm, and cozy vibes, and essential oils fit the bill! But before you gift them, consider safety:
- Buy only from reputable sources that list the botanical name, extraction method, country of origin, and preferable provide chemical reports. Learn how to safely buy essential oils on this blog!
- Include usage guidance. Make sure that your gift’s label has guidance like proper dilution, diffusion time, and pet/child warnings, especially if the recipient has kids or pets.
- Err on the side of caution. If you know the recipient has allergies, pets, or small children, maybe pick safer gifts such as unscented candles, bath salts with essential oils in a separate bottle, or make a dried ingredient simmer pot.
When gifting essential oils, thinking ahead makes your present thoughtful and responsible.
Final Thoughts for a Safe, Cozy Holiday
Essential oils add warmth, comfort, and cheer to holiday gatherings, but only when used with care. Following these essential oil safety tips will help you enjoy the cozy scents of the season while keeping skin safe, air clean, and pets and kids well.
- Use diffusers responsibly: moderate run times, good ventilation, no open flames.
- Dilute properly for skin; avoid direct application and baths with undiluted oil.
- Avoid risky oils if pets or children are around.
- Choose high quality oils and store them out of reach.
- If gifting, include usage instructions and safety warnings.
Aromatherapy can enhance holiday ambiance. Make mindful buying decisions and respect how powerful these little bottles can be. Use these essential oil safety tips and you’ll be set for a safe, fragrant, and stress-free holiday season.
Further reading:
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