15 Best Essential Oils for Itchy Skin, How to Use and Precautions

Essential oils are products derived from plants with the help of the distillation process. They are natural attracts of stems, roots, seeds, bark, flowers, and other parts of plants (1). Essential oils are concentrated and also have an aromatic scent that soothes instantly. Essential oils have been used since time immemorial for different reasons.

Essential oils are something that has various medicinal benefits and therapeutic characteristics. Essential oils are being used today for other healthcare purposes. One such use of essential oil for getting relief to itchy skin.

Essential oils are usually safe for use.(2) 

Itchy skin can cause a lot of trouble to people because of many different reasons like allergies, bug bites, dry skin, etc. Scratching such a region further worsens the situation.

Essential oils are one such remedy that can help to get relief from itching. Essential oils are extracted from plants and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that help offer relief from itching.

The essential oil can calm the itchiness sensation or, in some cases, completely cure the skin itching issue. Essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammatory skin conditions.

The following article lists some of the best essential oils that have proven effects in reducing skin itchiness. Though, one should remember that if they face any severe illness or condition because of itchy skin, they should immediately consult a dermatologist.

What Are The 15 Best Essential Oils For Itchy Skin?

1. Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective essential oils used for many purposes, and relief of itchy skin is an important use. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and this gives relief to itchiness.

It has properties that soothe the skin. It can deal with itchiness caused by bug bites or rashes. It also has antibacterial characteristics that help in fighting bacteria-causing itchiness. Tea tree moisturizes the skin and thus keeps the itchiness due to dry skin away.(3)

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil can cure itchy skin that lasts for more than six weeks, also called chronic pruritis (4). Peppermint oil has been used for a very long time mainly because of its soothing characteristics, relieving itchiness and dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help prevent skin infections and bacteria causing such infections.

It has natural cooling properties that give relief from itchiness caused due to rashes, itchy bug bites, hives, etc. Peppermint oil can also be combined with other oils like petrolatum and sesame seeds to get relief from itchy skin.

3. Chamomile essential oil

Chamomile essential oil is another soothing oil that can be used to get relief from skin conditions like itchiness or dryness. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing irritated skin. Chamomile oil has wound-healing properties and relieves bacterial infection, skin irritation, and discomfort. This oil can be used to treat itching caused by eczema.(5)

Must Read : 15 Health Benefits & Uses of Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile essential oil can also be used to relieve the scalp itchiness caused due to dandruff. Chamomile essential oil can be used with other oils for treating dry or itchy scalp. It can be combined with shampoo and then used.

4. Helichrysum Essential Oil

This essential oil reduces skin rashes and inflamed skin conditions as it has anti-inflammatory conditions that soothe itching and inflammation. It helps in treating eczema, itching, and sores.(6) It also relieves skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.

5. Patchouli Essential oil

Patchouli essential oil is one of the best essential oils for itching and allergic reactions. This essential oil is rich in antiseptic properties, antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Patchouli oil deals with multiple skin conditions. Patchouli oil helps in retaining moisture in the skin and fights dry skin issues. It also fights other skin-related infections like eczema.(7)

Must Read: 22 Health Benefits & Uses of Patchouli Essential Oil

6. Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil is rich in antioxidants and can reduce infections that cause itchy skin. This essential oil can repair damaged skin and instantly offer a soothing effect to the skin. It also has antifungal characteristics, thus reducing fungal infections.(8)

Must Read : 9 Health Benefits & Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil

7. Geranium Oil

The geranium essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, thus fighting the signs of fungal infections like itchiness. It can overcome conditions like cracked skin, eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. Using Geranium oil can also manage and regulate sebum production on the skin, thus helping to avoid dry skin issues, which can lead to itchy skin. (9)

8. Bergamot Oil

Among the many essential oils, Bergamot oil is the one that can be combined with UVB therapy and thus can reduce severe skin irritation condition or itchy skin conditions.(10) One of the most important benefits of this oil is that it can treat vitiligo and promote repigmentation.

It also reduces the inflammatory state in this skin condition.(11) Though one thing that needs to be considered is that it makes the skin highly sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage, necessary measures should be taken.

9. Camphor oil

Camphor oil has soothing properties and relieves dry skin conditions, itchy skin issues, and discomfort.

10. Myrrh Oil

Myrrh oil is one of the essential oil that reduces itching and skin inflammation. This essential oil can promote skin health. It moisturizes the skin and is high in antioxidants, because of which skin infections can be prevented.

Must Read: 18 Benefits & Uses of Myrrh Essential Oil

11. Rose oil

One of the reasons identified behind itchy skin is stress and nervousness. When stressed, people tend to release a lot of sweat and anxiety, which people tend to scratch, causing skin discomfort. Rose oil has properties that help soothe the mind and body and can be used to boost the calmness of the skin. It moisturizes the skin helping to improve skin condition

12. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is known for reducing skin inflammation. One of the important benefits of this oil is that it has many health benefits for organs like the kidney and liver, which causes itching issues in people.

Eucalyptus oil means that it can also fight the causes of itchy skin internally. It also helps in reducing the chances of further infections. Eucalyptus oil relieves itchiness due to bug bites and allergies.(12)

13. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has natural properties that soothe skin and relieve itchy conditions. It acts as a natural insect repellent, thus, directly reducing the chances of bug bites and itchiness caused by insects. It is a solution to rashes and allergies and promotes healthy skin development. (13)

14. Witch Hazel Oil

Witch Hazel Oil has astringent properties offering relief from inflammation. It has antibacterial agents that restrict skin irritation and skin inflammation causing itchiness. It has antioxidants that are a natural soothing agent in itchy skin conditions.

Must Read: 21 Benefits & Uses of Witch Hazel Oil

15. Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil can serve many different skin issues like blisters, eczema, dermatitis, cuts, fungal infections, insect bites, abscesses, and other conditions that can cause skin irritation and itching sensation. This oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties giving relief to various skin conditions.

How To Use Essential Oils For Itchy Skin?

To get relief from itchy skin any of the above-stated essential oils can be used like lavender, peppermint, chamomile, tea tree oil, germanium oil, frankincense oil, eucalyptus oil, rose oil, etc.

Essential oils, when combined with other carrier oils like sesame, coconut, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and other such oils in order to get relief from itchy skin. Though, one should know the correct technique to dilute the essential oil with other carrier oils or other alternatives.

DIY Recipe For Making Spray To Soothe Itchy Skin

Ingredients:

• 30 ml glass spray bottle
• 30 grams aloe vera gel in a liquid state
• 7 drops Lavender Oil
• 4 drops Chamomile oil
• 4 drops Peppermint oil
• 3 drops Geranium oil

How to Make

• Mix all the above ingredients in the glass spray bottle and shake the bottle gently. This blend can be kept in a cool and dry place for 1 week.

How to use

• It can be used for bug bites, rashes, stings, scratches, dry skin, etc.
• Spray this blend directly over the irritated area to relieve the itchy skin 

The following procedure can also be followed to relieve itching condition

For whole-body application

• Depending upon the affected area, the mixture should be prepared. (See the below table).
• Conduct a patch test before using, as it can cause allergic reactions.
• Usually, a low quantity of essential oil should be used in the beginning, and then it should be massaged over the affected area.
• Leave the concentration for 15 minutes and then wash it off. If you want to keep it overnight you can do that if it feels good on your skin.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, as some essential oils can increase skin sensitivity, and direct sun exposure can damage the skin.

Carrier Oil	Essential Oil
10 ml or 2 teaspoons	5 drops
15 ml or 3 teaspoons	8 drops
30 ml or 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons)	15 drops

For face application

• It can be directly used on the affected spot or for topical use.
• Essential oils hydrate the skin and soothe itchy skin.
• Use a small amount of the mixture, and then the affected area should be gently massaged.
• Keep it for 10 minutes, and then wash it off.
• It can be used in the following quantities to apply over face

Carrier Oil	Essential Oil
10 ml or 2 teaspoons	2 drops
15 ml or 3 teaspoons	3 drops
30 ml or 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons)	8 drops

*Note: A patch test is recommended before applying the dilution anywhere on the skin, and wait to see if any allergic reactions are there before moving ahead with the application on the affected area.

What Are Some Of The Risks Associated With Essential Oils?

Certain essential oils may harm the skin, especially if the person has sensitive skin. Also, skin often reacts to diluted mixtures sometimes. If someone experiences such skin discomfort, then the person should immediately discontinue using such essential oils. Some of the risks or side effects that can be witnessed from the use of essential oils include:

• Rashes
• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Burning Sensation
• Headache mainly because of the fragrance of essential oils
• Itching

So, while using essential oils, one should look for the symptoms mentioned above and, if visible, stop using the essential oil and consult the doctor if required.

What Measures Should Be Taken While Using Essential Oils?

Some precautions should be adopted while using essential oils to avoid adverse effects on the skin.

• Avoid using essential oils near the eyes, nose, and mouth region.
• Ensure you purchase essential oils from trusted brands to ensure their quality and concentration.
• Essential oils can lead to some allergic reactions, so a patch test is a must before its application. It can be done on the hands or neck area.
• Essential oils should be kept in a cool and dry place.
• Some essential oils do not work in combination with other oils, so proper research should be done before mixing two or more oils.
• Essential oils should be used at regular intervals and not too often.

Conclusion

Essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties should be used to treat itchy skin. Essential oils can be diluted with other carrier oils for skin application, though precaution must be taken while mixing these oils to avoid allergic reactions. The side effects of essential oils should also be kept in mind and if witnessed the use of essential oils should be immediately discontinued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Muhammad Irsad, Essential Oils – Oils of Nature. Chapter 3 Biological Importance of Essential Oils https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=B3L8DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA37&dq=Essential+oils+are+products+derived+from+plants+with+the+help+of+the+distillation+process&ots=u0ZOTfwVwJ&sig=_AZ-69gLxTZCcFg-FSqIESWu0y0#v=onepage&q=Essential%20oils%20are%20products%20derived%20from%20plants%20with%20the%20help%20of%20the%20distillation%20process&f=false 
• Journal of Plant Sciences. (2019). Essential Oils : Magical Ingredients for Skin Care http://article.jopsci.org/pdf/10.11648.j.jps.20210902.14.pdf. 
• Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. Volume 154. (2022). Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222009489 
• Asja Sarkic and Iris Stappen. Cosmetics (2018). Essential Oils and Their Single Compounds in Cosmetics—A Critical Review. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/1/11 https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=uGu7DAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Helichrysum+Essential+oils+offer+relief+in+itchy+skin&ots=gf7gAMFn8L&sig=1nJnvka1oJatfJwhtMyYPd_Yyg0#v=onepage&q=Helichrysum%20Essential%20oils%20offer%20relief%20in%20itchy%20skin&f=false 
• Phytomedicine Plus. Volume 2 (2022). Prospects of essential oil-loaded nanosystems for skin care. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321001809 
• Muhammad Irsad, Essential Oils – Oils of Nature. Chapter 3 Biological Importance of Essential Oils https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=B3L8DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA37&dq=Essential+oils+are+products+derived+from+plants+with+the+help+of+the+distillation+process&ots=u0ZOTfwVwJ&sig=_AZ-69gLxTZCcFg-FSqIESWu0y0#v=onepage&q=Essential%20oils%20are%20products%20derived%20from%20plants%20with%20the%20help%20of%20the%20distillation%20process&f=false 
• Cosmetics (2021) Essential Oils and Their Individual Components in Cosmetic Products https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/4/114 
• Pharmaceutics 2021 Development and Translation of NanoBEO, a Nanotechnology-Based Delivery System of Bergamot Essential Oil Deprived of Furocumarins, in the Control of Agitation in Severe Dementia https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/3/379 
• Drug Delivery and Translational (2019) Novel bergamot oil nanospanlastics combined with PUVB therapy as a clinically translatable approach for vitiligo treatment https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-019-00653-y 
• Eucalyptus Essential oils offer relief in itchy skin https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0dRlDMvlhQ0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA345&dq=Eucalyptus+Essential+oils+offer+relief+in+itchy+skin&ots=rHLALg7dAM&sig=fbA_UpwdPUXxca0q9G-8amvfiqA 
• A review on pharmacological activities of cymbopogon citratus https://www.ijpda.com/index.php/journal/article/view/475