Photosensitivity
Sun Safe: Understanding Photosensitivity & Essential Oils
At Root & Sol, we believe nature’s remedies should be healing—not harmful. While essential oils offer powerful skin and wellness benefits, some come with a hidden risk: photosensitivity.
As warmer months invite us outside, it’s important to understand how to safely use essential oils—especially in products applied to your skin.
What is Photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity, or phototoxicity, is a skin reaction that occurs when certain essential oils are exposed to UV light, typically from the sun or tanning beds. This reaction can cause:
Redness or inflammation
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots
Blistering or burns in more extreme cases
It’s not an allergic reaction—it's a chemical one. And it often doesn’t show up until hours after sun exposure.
Common Phototoxic Essential Oils
While many citrus oils are beloved for their bright, uplifting aromas, they’re also the most common culprits for photosensitivity. The main phototoxic compounds are furanocoumarins, found in cold-pressed citrus peels.
Phototoxic oils include:
Bergamot (cold-pressed)
Lemon (cold-pressed)
Lime (cold-pressed)
Bitter Orange
Grapefruit (to a lesser extent)
Not all citrus oils are phototoxic, and some (like steam-distilled lemon or bergapten-free bergamot) are safe alternatives.
How to Prevent Photosensitivity Safely
If you're using body butters, oils, or balms that contain essential oils, here’s how to stay sun-safe:
☀️ 1. Time Your Application
Apply phototoxic products at night or at least 12–18 hours before sun exposure to avoid reactivity.
🧴 2. Use Safe Dilutions
Photosensitive oils are generally safe in topical products when diluted below certain percentages. For example:
Bergamot: Safe below 0.4%
Lime (cold-pressed): Safe below 0.7%
Lemon (cold-pressed): Safe below 2%
When in doubt, opt for professionally formulated blends—like ours—that prioritize safe usage.
🌿 3. Choose Steam-Distilled Citrus Oils
Unlike cold-pressed versions, steam-distilled citrus oils do not contain phototoxic compounds and are generally safe for daytime use.
🧘🏽♀️ 4. Use Alternatives
If sun exposure is unavoidable, try non-photosensitive oils like:
Sweet Orange (steam-distilled)
Neroli
Frankincense
Lavender
Chamomile
Ylang Ylang
What Root & Sol Does Differently
At Root & Sol, your safety and wellness are always at the center. That’s why:
We avoid or minimize use of phototoxic oils in our daytime skin products
We use skin-safe dilutions following essential oil safety guidelines
We opt for steam-distilled alternatives when available
We provide transparency so you know what you’re putting on your skin
Our body butters and infused oils are designed for your whole-body wellness—rooted in nature, made with care, and safe for sunny days ahead.
Want to glow safely? Choose smart, botanical skincare. Let nature nourish you—without the burn.
— Root & Sol
