For simplicity, we often hear that all use of essential oils should be excluded during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In reality, the subject is more nuanced. You need to pay attention to three factors: the biochemical composition of the essential oil some are allowed, others are not, the percentage of essential oil present in the product, and the area of the body where the essential oil is applied.
As a precaution, many aromatherapy authors advise against using essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy. The reason behind this precautionary principle is simply that no scientific research can be carried out on pregnant humans, which is of course entirely normal. I therefore invite you to be extra cautious during the first trimester but, as mentioned above, it is all a question of dosage, use and the type of essential oil.
It would not be wise to avoid natural cosmetics out of fear of essential oils and then turn, during pregnancy, to conventional cosmetics full of synthetic fragrances and endocrine disruptors.
Please also note that, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can use externally all Siprès vegetable oils a few vegetable oils that we do not use should be avoided, especially black seed, neem and St John’s wort, all hydrosols floral waters and all clays.
1- Dosage
In aromatic cosmetics, the percentage of essential oil found in skincare products is in principle limited to 1%. That is, in any case, the limit we apply at Siprès. It is enough to benefit from the incredible virtues that essential oils have to offer. However, this is still very far from the percentages used in therapeutic essential oil applications, where dosages of 30% or even 50% are sometimes found.
It is also important to avoid multiplying the number of products containing essential oils that you use during the day. As a precaution, the equivalent of 6 drops of essential oil in total per day should not be exceeded.
2- Essential oils
Here is a list of 5 essential oils authorised during pregnancy and already useful in many situations:
- True lavender essential oil with healing, skin-regenerating and calming properties: to use in case of blemishes, to help prevent skin ageing, and in case of insomnia
- Roman chamomile essential oil with anti-inflammatory, calming and sedative properties: to soothe skin irritation, redness and calm the nervous system
- Ravintsara essential oil with antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant and immune-stimulating properties: to use in case of bronchitis including infant bronchiolitis, colds, flu, deep fatigue and chesty cough
- Mandarin essential oil with calming properties for the nervous system: to use in case of insomnia, anxiety, stress or agitation
- Bay laurel essential oil with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and expectorant properties: to use in case of bronchitis, flu, chronic sinusitis, acne, mouth ulcers and fungal infections
It is essential to avoid aromatic molecules known to be abortifacient, such as ketones, or those that may affect the nervous, liver or kidney systems. Here is a non-exhaustive list of fairly common essential oils that should be avoided throughout pregnancy: different types of mint, different types of cinnamon, clove, cedar, cypress, fennel, helichrysum, oregano, palmarosa, different types of sage, eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus mentholated, rosemary camphor, rosemary verbenone and juniper.
Whether you are pregnant or not, it is also always important to be careful if you have an allergic background, because some essential oils contain allergens limonene, linalool, geraniol and so on.
3- How to use essential oils?
Throughout pregnancy, oral use of essential oils should be avoided except on medical advice.
Skin application is the preferred route. However, avoid applying a skincare product containing essential oils to the abdominal area and therefore close to the baby.
In assessing the “risk”, it is also important to take into account whether the product is rinsed off such as a scrub or a soap or not, and whether it is something you use daily or only from time to time.
The use of certain essential oils in diffusion is possible. For example: fine lavender, sweet orange, mandarin.
Sources:
BAUDOUX, Dominique, "L'aromathérapie - se soigner par les huiles essentielles", Editions Amyris, 2008.
KAIBECK, Julien, "Ma famille slow cosmétique", Editions Leduc, 2017.
⚠️ This article does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, always seek advice from your midwife or doctor.