How to Know if You Are Allergic to Frankincense Oil

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Find below some general guidelines to help you determine if you might be allergic to frankincense oil.

If you suspect you have an allergy, it’s important to consult a medical professional for a proper evaluation.

Here are some steps you can follow to perform a patch test at home:

1. Dilute the frankincense oil: Essential oils should always be diluted before applying to the skin. Mix a few drops of frankincense oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, at a low concentration (e.g., 1% essential oil).
2. Choose a small patch of skin: Select a small, discreet area of skin for testing, such as the inside of your forearm or behind your ear.
3. Apply the diluted oil: Apply a small amount of the diluted frankincense oil to the selected area of skin using a cotton swab or your fingertip.
4. Cover and wait: You may choose to cover the test area with a bandage to prevent accidental contact with clothing or other surfaces. Wait 24-48 hours to observe any reaction.
5. Check for reactions: After the waiting period, examine the test area for signs of an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, rash, or discomfort.

There is research and studies around this topic which would be good for the interested person in reading.^1,2

Can frankincense irritate the skin?

Yes, frankincense oil, like many other essential oils, can potentially irritate the skin if not used properly. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or sensitization³ when applied undiluted or in high concentrations. To minimize the risk of skin irritation, follow these general guidelines:

1. Perform a patch test: Perform a patch test, as described in the previous section, to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to the oil. If you experience any redness, itching, swelling, or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
2. Use caution with sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin or a history of skin reactions to other products, exercise extra caution when using essential oils. Always dilute the oil and perform a patch test before applying it more broadly.
3. Follow usage recommendations: Use essential oils according to their intended purpose and follow any specific recommendations from the manufacturer or a qualified aromatherapist.

If you experience skin irritation despite following these guidelines, discontinue use of the frankincense oil and consult a healthcare professional for advice.

What are symptoms of being allergic to essential oils?

Allergic reactions to essential oils can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include⁴:

1. Skin reactions: This is the most common symptom and may include redness, itching, swelling, rash, hives, or burning sensations. These reactions can occur immediately or develop over time with repeated exposure.
2. Respiratory symptoms: Inhaling essential oils can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals, especially those with existing allergies or asthma. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
3. Eye irritation: Essential oils can cause eye irritation if they come into contact with the eyes, leading to redness, itching, swelling, or tearing.
4. Headaches or migraines: Some people may experience headaches or migraines when exposed to certain essential oils, especially if they are sensitive to strong scents.
5. Nausea or dizziness: In rare occasions, exposure to essential oils may cause nausea, dizziness, or even lightheadedness.
6. Anaphylaxis: Although extremely rare, severe allergic reactions to essential oils can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid or weak pulse, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Which are the essential oils that most commonly trigger allergic reactions?

While an allergic reaction to essential oils can be individual-specific, there are some oils that are more commonly associated with triggering allergies or skin irritation^5,6. These include:

1. Cinnamon bark and cinnamon leaf oil: Both oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions due to their high content of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol.
2. Clove oil: Containing a high concentration of eugenol, clove oil is known to cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals.
3. Ylang-ylang oil: This oil is considered to be a moderate to high risk for causing sensitization or allergic reactions, particularly in those with sensitive skin.
4. Jasmine oil: Although less common, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to jasmine oil, especially if it is not properly diluted.
5. Lemongrass oil: Lemongrass oil can cause skin irritation or sensitization due to its high concentration of citral.
6. Bergamot oil: Bergamot oil contains bergapten, a compound known to cause photosensitivity (an increased sensitivity to sunlight). This can lead to skin irritation or sunburns if applied topically and then exposed to the sun.
7. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, especially when used in high concentrations or applied to sensitive skin.
8. Tea tree oil: While tea tree oil is generally considered safe for most people, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation.

It’s important to remember that reactions to essential oils can be highly individual, and some people might not experience any adverse effects from the oils listed above. Always dilute essential oils before use, perform a patch test to check for potential reactions, and consult a healthcare professional or aromatherapist for guidance on safe usage.

Frankincense Oil Allergic Reaction Risk Compared to Other Essential Oils

Frankincense oil is generally considered to be less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions compared to some other essential oils, such as cinnamon bark, clove, or lemongrass. However, individual reactions can vary, and some people may still be sensitive to frankincense oil.

Learn more about the components of frankincense oil, here’s an article on alpha-thujene in frankincense.

Essential Oils: Allergic Reaction Risk Levels

Higher Risk:

1. Cinnamon bark oil
2. Cinnamon leaf oil
3. Clove oil
4. Lemongrass oil
5. Ylang-ylang oil

Moderate Risk:

1. Peppermint oil
2. Tea tree oil
3. Jasmine oil
4. Bay oil
5. Balsam of Peru oil
6. Cassia oil
7. Thyme oil
8. Oregano oil
9. Citrus oils (specifically cold-pressed citrus oils, as they can be phototoxic)

Lower Risk:

1. Frankincense oil
2. Lavender oil
3. Chamomile oil (both Roman and German)
4. Rose oil
5. Geranium oil
6. Eucalyptus oil
7. Sandalwood oil
8. Cedarwood oil
9. Patchouli oil

Again, individual sensitivities may vary, and this list should be considered as a general guideline. Always follow proper safety precautions and consult a healthcare professional or qualified aromatherapist for advice on essential oil use.

Table of essential oils categorized by their sensitivity ranking

Here’s a table of essential oils categorized by their sensitivity ranking along with the key elements or compounds that contribute to their potential for causing allergic reactions:

Sensitivity Ranking	Essential Oil	Key Elements/Compounds Contributing to Allergic Reactions
High Risk	Cinnamon Bark Oil	Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol
High Risk	Cinnamon Leaf Oil	Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol
High Risk	Clove Oil	Eugenol
High Risk	Lemongrass Oil	Citral
High Risk	Ylang-Ylang Oil	Linalool, Geraniol
Moderate Risk	Peppermint Oil	Menthol
Moderate Risk	Tea Tree Oil	Terpinen-4-ol, Limonene
Moderate Risk	Jasmine Oil	Benzyl acetate, Linalool
Moderate Risk	Bay Oil	Eugenol, Myrcene
Moderate Risk	Balsam of Peru	Cinnamic acid, Benzyl cinnamate
Moderate Risk	Cassia Oil	Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol
Moderate Risk	Thyme Oil	Thymol, Carvacrol
Moderate Risk	Oregano Oil	Carvacrol, Thymol
Moderate Risk	Citrus Oils	Limonene, Bergapten (in Bergamot oil)
Low Risk	Frankincense Oil	Alpha-pinene, Limonene
Low Risk	Lavender Oil	Linalool, Linalyl acetate
Low Risk	Chamomile Oil	Bisabolol, Chamazulene
Low Risk	Rose Oil	Citronellol, Geraniol
Low Risk	Geranium Oil	Geraniol, Citronellol
Low Risk	Eucalyptus Oil	1,8-Cineole
Low Risk	Sandalwood Oil	Alpha-santalol, Beta-santalol
Low Risk	Cedarwood Oil	Cedrol, Thujopsene
Low Risk	Patchouli Oil	Patchoulol, Alpha-guaiene

Keep in mind that individual reactions can vary, and this table should be considered as a general guideline. Always follow proper safety precautions, perform a patch test, and consult a healthcare professional or qualified aromatherapist for advice on essential oil use.

When to consult a doctor

Here are some scenarios when it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional:

1. Persistent or worsening symptoms: If you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t improve or worsen over time, it’s essential to consult a medical practitioner for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
2. Severe symptoms: If you experience severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or any other symptom that causes significant distress or concern, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Allergic reactions or skin irritations: If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to a substance, such as essential oils or other products, consult a medical professional for evaluation and advice. Signs of an allergic reaction can include itching, redness, swelling, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.
4. Unclear diagnosis: If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
5. Chronic conditions: If you have a pre-existing health condition or are on medication, consult a medical practitioner before starting any new treatments, including essential oils or supplements, to ensure they’re safe and won’t interfere with your current medications.
6. Prevention and wellness: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help prevent health issues and ensure you’re following a healthy lifestyle.

Remember that it’s always better to be cautious and consult a medical professional if you’re unsure about your health or need advice on managing symptoms or health conditions.

Check also the benefits of frankicense essential oil in diffuser.

References

1. Schaller M, Korting HC. Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in aromatherapy. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1995; 20(2):143–5.
2. Bleasel N, Tate B, Rademaker M. Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to essential oils. Australas J Dermatol [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2023 Apr 28]; 43(3):211–3. Available from: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00598.x.
3. Selvåg E, Holm JO, Thune P. [Contact allergy to essential oils]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1995; 115(27):3369–70.
4. Sarkic A, Stappen I. Essential Oils and Their Single Compounds in Cosmetics—A Critical Review. Cosmetics [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2023 Apr 28]; 5(1):11. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/1/11.
5. Sarkic A, Stappen I. Essential Oils and Their Single Compounds in Cosmetics—A Critical Review. Cosmetics [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2023 Apr 28]; 5(1):11. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/1/11.
6. Dermatitis® | Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers [Internet]. [cited 2023 Apr 28]. Available from: https://home.liebertpub.com/publications/dermatitis/672/overview.