Essential Oils for Eczema: Types, Risks, and How to Use Them

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But, before you consider essential oil for eczema, it’s important to understand how essential oils can affect eczema, including their effectiveness and safety.

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Certain essential oils may benefit eczema because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial properties, says May Hall, DO, a dermatologist at Jennie Stuart Dermatology in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

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So, even though some essential oils have properties that may work as a complementary therapy for eczema, skin reactions can vary from person to person. For this reason, Hall stresses that more research is needed to fully understand the role and effectiveness of certain oils in treating skin conditions like eczema.

More research is needed on the use of essential oils for eczema. Still, some oils are commonly used to help relieve itchiness, inflammation, and dryness (a few common eczema symptoms) — often with good results based on anecdotal evidence from users.

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If you're interested in using essential oils for eczema, consult your dermatologist first. They can help determine if certain oils might be beneficial alongside your skin-care routine, as there's a risk of potential skin reactions, says Hall. Not all essential oils are effective, and even those that show potential benefits in research lack clear guidelines on proper usage, including how much or how often to apply them.

If you choose to try essential oils for eczema, use them properly to avoid skin irritation.

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Hall notes that there are no specific guidelines on how often to use essential oils for eczema. "After properly diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, if your skin shows no reaction, you can gradually increase usage," she says.

Hall warns that applying essential oils more often increases your risk of an adverse skin reaction, so only use them as often as needed to see an improvement in eczema symptoms.

If you’d like to try essential oils for eczema, stay safe by following these tips.

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Essential oils may help relieve eczema symptoms but the evidence is weak and limited. Consult your healthcare provider before trying essential oil for eczema, especially if you’re pregnant or interested in using essential oil on a child. Always dilute essential oil with a carrier oil and perform a patch test before using it on larger areas of skin.

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Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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