Handle With Care: Hot Oils & Sensitive Skin

Some essential oils pack a punch – great for sore muscles or stuffy noses, but not so great if they irritate the skin. These “hot” oils need extra care, especially when using them with kids or anyone with sensitive skin. Let’s walk through how to use them safely without losing their benefits.

Some essential oils are known as “hot” oils because they can cause a warming, tingling, or even burning sensation if applied to the skin undiluted. These oils tend to have a more potent chemistry, making them great for muscle relief, respiratory support, or warming up cold hands and feet, but they also need a bit of extra caution.

Common Hot Oils

  • Cassia
  • Cinnamon Bark
  • Clove
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Wintergreen
  • Peppermint (cooling but still intense)
  • Black Papper
  • Ginger

Tips for Using Hot Oils Safely

  • Dilute Heavily: Use a 0.5-1% dilution for these oils, even for adults. Hot oils should always be diluted more than gentler oils.
  • Patch Test First: Always test a small amount on less sensitive skin before wider use, especially for kids or anyone with sensitive skin.
  • Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep these oils away from eyes, face, neck, and other sensitive areas. They can be particularly intense on thin or delicate skin.
  • Use a Barrier Oil: For particularly hot oils, consider using a heavier carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba, which provide a better buffer for the skin.
  • Wash Off with a Carrier Oil: If you accidentally apply too much, never wash off with water – this can drive the oil deeper into the skin. Instead, use a carrier oil to dilute further.
  • Be Cautious with Kids: Many of these oils are not recommended for use with children under 12. Even diluted, they can be too intense for younger skin. Check out my list of kids safe oils.

Personal Tips

I’ve found that some of these oils, like Oregano and Clove, are incredibly powerful, but they’re also the ones most likely to cause a reaction if you’re not careful. I tend to keep them for adults-only blends or diffuser recipes and always double-check my dilution ratios. My boys are sensitive to strong smells, so I avoid using these oils topically on them altogether.