When Should You Not Use Lemon Oil?

Lemon oil is an essential oil extracted from lemon peels. It has a fresh, citrusy aroma and is commonly used in aromatherapy, household cleaning products, and personal care items. Lemon oil contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that provide potential health benefits. However, lemon oil is highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or other side effects if used improperly. It’s important to dilute lemon oil and perform a skin patch test before widespread use.

Skin Irritation

Lemon oil contains chemicals called furocoumarins which can cause phototoxic reactions when exposed to UV light. This irritation is called phototoxicity, and it causes a temporary redness that looks similar to moderate sunburn (Source). You may also feel a raw or burning sensation on the skin after exposure to UV light (Source).

The acidic nature of lemon oil means it can also cause burns or rashes on the skin. Never apply undiluted lemon oil directly as it can be very harsh for the skin. Always mix with a carrier oil and do a patch test first (Source). Lemon oil should not be applied before going out in the sun, as it increases sun damage to the skin.

Children

Essential oils can be dangerous for children due to their sensitive skin. Lemon oil in particular can cause irritation and photosensitivity in children (Aromatherapy for Children: What’s Safe and What’s Not). Children’s skin has a thinner outer layer that absorbs chemicals easier than adult skin. Using undiluted lemon oil increases the risk of irritation in children.

It’s important to keep all essential oils out of reach of children. Oils like lemon oil can be toxic if ingested by kids, even in small amounts. Children are also more likely to rub their eyes after touching the oil, causing stinging and damage (Are Essential Oils Safe for Children?). Store oils safely locked away or up high.

Pregnancy

There is limited research on the safety of lemon oil during pregnancy. Some small studies have found lemon oil inhalation may help reduce nausea in pregnancy without side effects.[1] However, the effects on hormones and fetal development are unknown.

Some sources consider lemon oil likely safe in small amounts, while others recommend avoiding it as a precaution until more research is available. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated and can contain compounds that may affect hormones or uterine contractions.[2]

If using lemon oil in pregnancy, only use high-quality, therapeutic-grade oil and consult your doctor. Avoid oral ingestion. Start with very diluted topical applications first to check for skin reactions before inhaling or using more concentrated amounts.

Eyes

Lemon oil can cause irritation if it comes into direct contact with eyes. According to the Safety Data Sheet for Organic Lemon Essential Oil from New Directions Aromatics, “Contact with eyes can produce burning sensation. Inflammation of the eye tissue may occur, with possible damage to eyes.”

The Safety Data Sheet for Lemon Essential Oil from Nikura similarly states that lemon oil is “Irritating to eyes.”

To avoid irritation, it’s important to prevent contact with the eyes. The Organic Lemon Essential Oil SDS recommends, “Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes in case of contact. Seek medical advice if irritation persists or there is any sign of tissue damage.”

Ingestion

Lemon oil can be toxic if swallowed and should never be ingested directly. According to Healthline, “Never apply lemon oil directly to your skin without a carrier oil, and never ingest any essential oil. Essential oils aren’t a replacement for prescription medications.”

The major risks of ingesting lemon essential oil are vomiting and diarrhea. WebMD states, “You should not ingest lemon oil directly. If you wish to add lemon flavor when cooking or baking, make sure that you use a lemon extract instead of essential oils.”

Overall, ingesting lemon essential oil directly can lead to gastrointestinal issues and should always be avoided. It is safest to use lemon oil topically diluted with a carrier oil or to use lemon extract for cooking and baking. Direct ingestion of undiluted lemon essential oil poses a toxicity risk.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-essential-oil

https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemon-oil-health-benefits

Inhalation

Inhaling lemon oil, especially in large quantities, can irritate airways. Lemon oil contains limonene and other compounds that may cause throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath when inhaled directly. Avoid diffusing lemon oil near babies and young children, as their respiratory systems are much more sensitive. One study found that inhaling lemon oil increased airway resistance in rats (Effects of inhaling essential oils of Citrus limonum L., 2023). Use lemon oil sparingly and be sure to adequately ventilate areas where it is being diffused. Discontinue use if any breathing difficulties or irritation occur.

Medications

Lemon oil can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult your doctor before using it. According to WebMD, lemon can interact with the antifungal medication itraconazole (Sporanox), increasing the amount absorbed. The blog Can Essential Oils Interfere With the Prescriptions You’re Writing? recommends avoiding lemon oil when taking certain medications metabolized by the liver, as it can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. These include medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression among others. It’s best to thoroughly discuss using lemon oil with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications, to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

Pets

Lemon oil can be toxic to cats. Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to properly metabolize ingredients in lemon oil like limonene. Exposure can cause liver damage, central nervous system depression, nausea, and vomiting in cats.1

Lemon oil can also irritate a dog’s skin when applied topically or diffused around them. The oil contains compounds like citronellal and geraniol that can cause skin irritation at certain concentrations. Always dilute lemon oil properly before using it around dogs and monitor them for signs of redness or itching. 2

When to Seek Help

If irritation, redness, or symptoms persist after thoroughly washing lemon oil off the skin, seek medical attention. Contact your doctor if the rash worsens or spreads. According to the RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines, lemon oil and other citrus oils can cause skin corrosion and irritation.

If lemon oil is accidentally swallowed, immediately contact poison control or emergency medical services. The National Capital Poison Center advises calling 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Ingestion can cause burning pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. Lemon oil is acidic and may worsen ulcers if swallowed according to Lybrate.