Particular essential oils contain a chemical compound called furocoumarins produced by citrus plants. They are found in cold-pressed citrus essential oils like Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, and Bergamot.
When applied on skin, Furocoumarins in these essential oils react to UV light and can put you in risks of Inflammation, reddening or burning of the skin. Basically, high-standard essential oil sellers would specify “Photosensitivity” on their product labels to ensure usage safety.
SO, WHAT DO I DO TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN WITH PHOTOSENSITIVITY ESSENTIAL OILS ?
Instead of mixing your photosensitive essential oils in your products that can’t be rinsed off like body lotion or facial cream, we recommend you using them in something like body wash or shampoo, which can be cleaned thoroughly with water.
If you want to apply your photosensitive essential oils on your skin and go out in the sun, cover your skin well in thick clothes. If you want to apply photosensitive essential oils on your temple, wear a hat that covers these parts completely.
Bergamot FCF essential oil or Furocoumarin-free (FCF) Bergamot, obtained through steam distillation, is a common safe alternative to apply on skin. This essential oil has had the Bergaptene content (Furocoumarin) removed resulting in clear color, with a fresh, citrus aroma.
