Which Oils Can Make Eczema Worse?

If you love all-natural eczema skin care, you may be tempted to shop for essential oils to soothe aching, itchy skin. But don’t be fooled; essential oils for body & scalp eczema can do more harm than good. Let’s jump into the no-nos of eczema care.

Itchy 3 Worst Oils for Eczema:

1. Are Essential Oils Safe for Eczema?

Using essential oils for scalp or body eczema might sound appealing, but it’s a slippery slope. While some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, they can often irritate sensitive skin, especially during an active flare-up. So what oils worsen eczema?

Essential oils can worsen eczema. Here are some examples:

• Is Rosemary Oil Good for Eczema?: While rosemary oil is praised for its antimicrobial benefits, it’s not ideal for eczema. Its potent compounds can aggravate already-sensitive skin, leading to redness and irritation, according to research.
• Is Peppermint Oil Good for Eczema?: Peppermint oil’s cooling sensation might sound soothing, but it can trigger irritation and even allergic reactions in eczema-prone skin according to research, possibly because it is a rich source of itch-promoting salicylates.
• Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Eczema?: Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions so people presume it is good for eczema. However, tea tree oil is a common skin irritant that can make eczema burn and sting when applied to the skin.

It’s best to avoid essential oils and stick to eczema skincare and supplements without additives — unless recommended by a dermatologist or blended into a product specifically designed for sensitive skin and eczema.

2. Why Coconut and Nut Oils May Worsen Eczema

Coconut oil and nut-based oils are often marketed as natural remedies for dry skin, but they can do more harm than good for those with eczema.

Coconut Oil: A Common Culprit

According to Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, using coconut oil in skincare can increase the risk of developing coconut allergy. This is particularly concerning for people with eczema, whose compromised skin barrier makes them more susceptible to sensitization and allergies.

Nut Oils and Sensitization Risks

Similarly, nut oils (like almond or peanut oil) can introduce allergens to broken skin, potentially leading to food allergies. The link between food-based skincare products and the development of allergies is well-documented, so it’s wise to avoid these oils altogether if you’re managing eczema.

3. The Problem with Olive Oil (Olea Europaea)

Olive oil is another popular skincare ingredient that can spell trouble for eczema-prone skin.

Research published in Pediatric Dermatology found that olive oil can weaken the skin barrier, causing irritation and increased water loss. Unfortunately olive oil is an ingredient used in about 80% of skin care products sold online and in stores, so check the label before purchasing skin care products and avoid anything containing olive oil or Olea Europaea. 

Instead of soothing your skin, olive oil can exacerbate dryness and leave your skin more vulnerable to environmental irritants.

Oils to Avoid for Scalp Eczema

Scalp eczema presents its own challenges, and oils that work well for other parts of the body can sometimes worsen symptoms on the scalp.

• Essential Oils for Scalp Eczema: While they might smell great, essential oils like lemon balm and lavender can irritate the sensitive skin on your scalp.
• Coconut oil and nut oils can cause scalp sensitization so they should be avoided in allergy prone people.

Instead, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that contain dexpanthenol and castor oil, designed to soothe your scalp without clogging pores.

What to Use Instead: Eczema-Friendly Skincare

Managing eczema doesn’t mean giving up on oils entirely — it’s about choosing the right ones. Focus on products formulated specifically for sensitive skin and eczema, like Eczema Friend,our TGA-registered clean beauty eczema cream. Click here to buy Eczema Friend. 

Other Ingredients to Look For:

• Non nano Zinc Oxide: Zinc supports skin repair and wound healing.
• Barrier-Safe Moisturizers: Products containing sunflower oil, designed to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate sensitive skin (Danby 2013).
• Camellia oleifera seed oil: Traditionally used to treat burns and eczema, new research shows camellia seed oil is both hydrating and anti-inflammatory (Zhou, 2024).

Soothing Your Skin Naturally

If you don’t know where to find gentle eczema ingredients, here are some eczema creams designed by healthy practitioner, nutritionist Karen Fischer, who is the author of The Eczema Diet and The Eczema Detox:

• Wonder Zinc Healthy Glow Barrier Cream contains natural non-nano zinc, sunflower oil, organic camellia oleifera seed oil and dexpanthenol to repair the skin barrier. Click here to buy Wonder Zinc. 
• Eczema Friend rash cream contains organic camellia oleifera seed oil and dexpanthenol to support skin barrier repair and relieve mild eczema, dermatitis, rashes and itchy skin. Click here to buy Eczema Friend. 

If you want to treat your eczema naturally, the oils you use or avoid can make all the difference. Steer clear of coconut, nut, olive, and essential oils, and stick to creams formulated with eczema-prone skin in mind.

Research

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, 2024, Development of food allergy through food-based skincare products, retrieved 12 January 2024, from https://allergyfacts.org.au/development-of-food-allergy-through-food-based-skincare-products/

Swain, AR, et al., 1985, Salicylates in Foods, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, retrieved from https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/research/salicylatesinfoods.pdf

Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, Lavender T, Chittock J, Brown K, Cork MJ. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 Jan-Feb;30(1):42-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x. Epub 2012 Sep 20. PMID: 22995032.

Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62. doi: 10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. PMID: 16418522; PMCID: PMC1360273.

van der Valk PG, de Groot AC, Bruynzeel DP, Coenraads PJ, Weijland JW. Allergisch contacteczeem voor 'tea tree'-olie [Allergic contact eczema due to 'tea tree' oil]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1994 Apr 16;138(16):823-5. Dutch. PMID: 8183387. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8183387/

Tran A, Pratt M, DeKoven J. Acute allergic contact dermatitis of the lips from peppermint oil in a lip balm. Dermatitis. 2010 Mar-Apr;21(2):111-5. PMID: 20233551.

Zhou L, Peng Y, Xu Z, Chen J, Zhang N, Liang T, Chen T, Xiao Y, Feng S, Ding C. The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Moisturizing Effects of Camellia oleifera Oil and Its Potential Applications. Molecules. 2024 Apr 19;29(8):1864. doi: 10.3390/molecules29081864. PMID: 38675684; PMCID: PMC11055129.