Kid-Friendly Essential Oils

Children's skin is thinner and their breathing is more sensitive than an adult's, so the oil you choose, how much you use and how you use it all matter. These 30 oils are generally considered suitable for children aged 2 and up when diffused lightly or well diluted.

Floral & calming oils

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) shop
  The classic evening oil: soft, clean and relaxing, lovely at bedtime.
• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) shop
  Sweet and apple-like; a comforting scent for winding down.
• German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
  Gentle and herbal, often chosen for calm, quiet evenings.
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) shop
  Soft herbal-floral scent that encourages rest and relaxation.
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) shop
  Balanced and cheerful; creates a happy atmosphere.
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium) shop
  Delicate orange blossom, soothing at unsettled moments.
• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) shop
  Sweet, rosy and gentle; emotionally grounding.
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) shop
  Rich and sweet; use just a drop or two in a diffuser.

Sweet & citrus oils

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) shop
  Cheerful and uplifting; a favourite with children.
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) shop
  Very gentle and sweet; lovely for an overtired child before sleep.
• Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) shop
  Bright, fruity and relaxing.
• Green Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
  Fresh, calming and uplifting.
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) shop bergapten-free only
  Uplifting yet calming for daytime.
• Lemon (Citrus limon) shop
  Fresh and clean; brightens a room when diffused.
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) shop
  Energising and playful for daytime and playtime.

Woody & grounding oils

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii / sacra) shop
  Warm and grounding for big feelings.
• Cedarwood (Cedrus virginiana / atlantica) shop
  Warm and woody; a cosy, secure feeling at night.
• Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
  Sweet evergreen scent, comforting in cooler weather.
• Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica)
  Crisp and clean; a gentle alternative to eucalyptus.
• Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
  Grounding, forest-like and calming.
• Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis)
  A very gentle, soft resin oil.
• Sandalwood (Santalum album / spicatum) shop
  Deeply relaxing; a peaceful scent for sleep.
• Amyris (Amyris balsamifera)
  A gentle alternative to sandalwood for calm evenings.

Herbal, mint-alternative & spice oils

• Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) shop
  Warm and herbal; relaxing before sleep.
• Spearmint (Mentha spicata) shop
  A much milder alternative to peppermint.
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
  Warm and lightly spiced; helps set a focused mood for homework.
• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
  Sweet and herbal; calming.
• Dill Weed (Anethum graveolens)
  Soft and gentle.
• Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia)
  Also called lavender tea tree; gentle and fresh.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) shop older children, diluted
  For older children only, and always heavily diluted.

How to use oils safely with children

1. Diffuse in short sessions. Run the diffuser for about 30 minutes, then switch it off for 30 minutes, in a well-ventilated room. Use 2 to 3 drops, not more.
2. Always dilute for skin. Never put undiluted oil on a child's skin. Keep it very weak: 0.5% to 1%, about 1 drop of essential oil in 1 to 2 teaspoons of a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil.
3. Patch test first. Put a tiny amount of the diluted oil on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours before using it more widely.
4. Keep bottles out of reach. Essential oils are for aroma use only and must never be swallowed.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are unsure, or your child has a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist before use.