Winter invites us to embrace warmth, coziness, and immune support, and essential oils are the perfect natural companions. However, cold weather presents unique challenges when using essential oils safely. Skin becomes more sensitive, indoor air gets dry and stagnant, and immune systems work harder. To make the most of essential oils while protecting yourself, here are essential safety tips specifically tailored for winter.
1. Protect your skin from increased sensitivity in cold weather
Winter air is dry and harsh, making the skin more vulnerable to irritation. Essential oils, particularly hot oils (like cinnamon or oregano), can exacerbate dryness and even cause burning sensations on already compromised skin.
Winter essential oil safety tips
- Increase carrier oil use: Essential oils evaporate faster in cold, dry air. Use more fractionated coconut oil, jojoba, or shea butter to lock in moisture.
- Avoid using undiluted oils on chapped or cracked skin. Even gentle oils like lavender can sting if applied directly to broken skin.
- Use hydrating oils like rose, sandalwood, and frankincense, which help nourish winter skin.
- Avoid exfoliating oils (like citrus) during extreme cold, as they thin the skin, making it more prone to windburn.
2. Be cautious with essential oils in hot showers & baths
A warm bath with essential oils feels luxurious in winter, but hot water intensifies absorption and can increase skin sensitivity. Oils like peppermint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus can feel much stronger on warm skin than they do at room temperature.
Winter safety tips:
- Always mix essential oils with bath salts, honey, or carrier oils before adding them to water to prevent irritation.
- Limit the use of “hot” oils (like cinnamon, oregano, or clove) in the bath—they can cause a burning sensation on damp skin.
- Try calming bath blends: Lavender + Roman chamomile + sandalwood for relaxation and skin hydration.
3. Use essential oils to combat dry indoor air without overloading the respiratory system
With heating systems running constantly, winter air indoors becomes extra dry, which can lead to respiratory discomfort when diffusing essential oils.
Winter safety tips:
- Run a humidifier alongside your diffuser to prevent excessive dryness.
- Diffuse in short bursts (30-60 minutes)—long diffusion periods can irritate airways in low-humidity environments.
- Avoid overuse of strong oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, which can be drying to the respiratory system.
- Best winter-friendly oils for gentle diffusion: cedarwood, frankincense, vanilla, and sweet orange.
4. Beware of essential oil freezing & thickening in cold temperatures
Did you know some essential oils become thicker or even solidify in extremely cold weather? Oils like myrrh, vetiver, and sandalwood can turn viscous when stored in low temperatures.
Winter essential oil safety tips:
- Store oils at room temperature, away from windows or cold drafts.
- If an oil thickens, warm it between your hands before use or let it sit in a warm water bath (never microwave!).
- Keep essential oil bottles tightly sealed, as cold weather can affect oil consistency.
5. Avoid overloading your immune system with potent oils
Winter is cold and flu season, and while oils like oregano, thyme, and clove are great immune boosters, using them excessively can be harsh on the body.
Winter essential oil safety tips:
- Use immune-supportive blends in moderation (e.g., doTERRA’s On Guard Blend).
- Rotate oils instead of using the same strong ones daily—try gentler oils like tea tree, rosemary, and lemon.
- Apply oils to the soles of the feet for safe absorption without overwhelming sensitive skin.
6. Keep essential oils away from heating devices & open flames
With candles, fireplaces, and space heaters more common in winter, it’s crucial to remember that essential oils are flammable.
Winter safety tips:
- Never add essential oils directly to candles—they can ignite unexpectedly.
- Avoid placing oil bottles near heat sources to prevent evaporation or combustion.
- Stick to water-based diffusers instead of heating essential oils directly.
7. Be extra cautious with children & pets indoors
Since families (and pets) spend more time inside during winter, overuse of essential oils in enclosed spaces can lead to respiratory irritation, especially for kids and animals.
Winter safety tips:
- Dilute oils even more for children (0.25-0.5% dilution).
- Avoid using eucalyptus and peppermint in children under 6—these can cause breathing difficulties.
- Ensure your pets can leave the room if diffusing oils, especially around cats and small dogs.
8. Don’t use essential oils to warm up—layer up instead!
Some people think warming oils like cinnamon and ginger can make them physically warmer in the cold, but in reality, they can cause skin irritation without providing actual warmth.
Winter essential oil safety tips:
- Don’t rely on essential oils for body warmth—dress appropriately for cold temperatures.
- Use warming oils for aromatherapy, not as a substitute for winter clothing.
- If you feel cold, try diffusing ginger, clove, and orange for a cozy atmosphere.
9. Adjust your essential oil usage based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions
Cold, dry outdoor air and overheated indoor air create very different environments, which affect how essential oils work on your body.
Winter safety tips:
- Limit strong essential oils before heading outdoors, as wind and cold can make the skin more reactive.
- Use more grounding, calming blends indoors to counteract winter stress.
- Moisturize first, then apply diluted essential oils, so they don’t evaporate too quickly in dry air.
Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy essential oils, but the season brings unique safety challenges—from dry skin irritation and respiratory sensitivity to potential freezing and increased fire hazards. By following these winter-specific safety tips, you can enjoy essential oils safely and effectively all season long.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the comforting benefits of essential oils this winter!
