Photosensitivity and Essential Oils

Photosensitizing essential oils contain compounds (furanocoumarins) that react with UV light, potentially causing severe skin burns, blistering, and permanent hyperpigmentation.

Photosensitizing Oils

High Risk (Avoid Sun 12-18 hours)

• Bergamot (cold-pressed)
• Lime (cold-pressed)
• Lemon (cold-pressed)
• Grapefruit
• Bitter orange

Moderate Risk

• Angelica root
• Cumin
• Tagetes

NOT Photosensitizing

• Bergamot FCF (bergaptene-free)
• Distilled lime
• Lemon (steam distilled)
• Sweet orange
• Mandarin

Prevention

• Use non-photosensitizing alternatives for sun-exposed skin
• Wait 12-18 hours after application before sun exposure
• Use bergaptene-free (FCF) versions of bergamot
• Diffusion and inhalation do not carry photosensitivity risk