Glossary
Sensitization is a type of reaction where the body becomes reactive to a substance after exposure, sometimes making future contact more likely to cause a response.
What Sensitization Means
In essential oil safety, sensitization is usually discussed as an allergic-type skin concern. It is different from simple irritation. Irritation may happen because something is too strong or harsh, while sensitization involves the immune system becoming reactive to a material.
Why It Matters
Undiluted essential oil use, repeated exposure, oxidized oils, and sensitizing oils can increase risk. Once someone is sensitized to a substance, they may need to avoid that oil or constituent in the future. This is one reason dilution, freshness, and patch testing matter.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Using an old, oxidized citrus oil undiluted on skin may increase the chance of irritation or sensitization. A safety-first approach would use fresh oil, appropriate dilution, and avoid applying oils to broken or irritated skin.