Some people use essential oils to help manage eczema. These include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and more. However, more research is necessary to understand the possible benefits.

Some topicals can also worsen symptoms, so it’s best to contact a doctor before applying essential oils directly to your skin.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts distilled from various plants. People use them in aromatherapy, and you can apply them topically by diluting them with a carrier oil.

If you are thinking about using essential oils to help manage symptoms of eczema, it’s best to speak with a doctor first. They can advise on which essential oils may be beneficial and how to safely apply them.

You should never swallow essential oils. If ingested, they can be toxic. Also, it’s best to do a skin patch test before using any essential oil.

Here are some essential oils that can potentially ease eczema symptoms.

While more research is necessary, some studies suggest that several essential oils may help with managing eczema symptoms.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia oil, comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In a 2010 study, researchers compared various herbs and minerals for treating contact dermatitis, and found tea tree oil to be the most effective.

However, in a 2016 study, undiluted tea tree oil was found to cause contact dermatitis for certain individuals who are allergic to one or more components of the oil.

A 2023 systematic review looked at randomized controlled trials that studied the benefits of tea tree oil on human health when compared with controls. The review concluded that the studies were poor to modest in quality, and that larger, higher-quality trials are necessary to better understand the possible health benefits of tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is strong. There’s a risk of skin irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or argan oil, before applying it to your skin.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil may have numerous health benefits, such as the ability to relieve digestive problems and managing colds. Some people claim that you can apply it topically to reduce itching.

There’s very limited research on peppermint oil and its effects on eczema.

A 2016 study found that topical peppermint oil significantly helped reduce chronic pruritus, or persistent itching. However, it’s important to note that the itching was due to diabetes or problems with the liver or kidneys.

This means that, while peppermint oil may help alleviate itchiness, it’s unclear whether it would specifically help itchiness due to eczema.

This oil is highly concentrated. Like all essential oils, you should mix it with a carrier oil before using it. However, because this oil is so highly concentrated, you may want to use a larger amount of carrier oil.

Use a few drops at first to avoid any irritation. Never apply it to your face. Avoid using it on the chest of infants or young children, as it can be harmful if they inhale it.

Calendula oil

Calendula oil comes from the calendula, or marigold, flower.

One small 2021 study showed that calendula has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin and can reduce swelling and pain.

There isn’t any research on calendula oil specifically for eczema, so it’s not certain that it can ease your symptoms. To be safe, talk with a doctor.

Borage oil

A 2010 study investigated the use of borage oil for soothing eczema-prone skin. Borage oil contains a fatty acid that bodies convert into a hormone-like substance with anti-inflammatory properties.

The study suggests that borage oil will not make any significant difference to symptoms, but it has the potential to help manage them in less severe cases of atopic dermatitis.

More research is necessary to determine if borage oil is effective at reducing eczema symptoms.

If you buy an essential oil, use it as directed. You should never ingest essential oils. You must dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin.

You may also choose to diffuse essential oils in the air for aromatherapy.

It’s also important to note that some essential oils are toxic to pets. If you or someone else is pregnant, some essential oils may be dangerous to inhale.

If you’re curious about trying an essential oil, talk with a doctor first. They can help you determine if using essential oils poses any concerns, such as making your condition worse.

Also, if you use essential oil and see signs of an allergic reaction, contact a doctor and immediately discontinue use. Signs to look out for include:

  • redness or discoloration
  • itching
  • burning
  • stinging

Even though essential oils may provide relief for your severe eczema, use these oils with caution. Some people experience irritation due to allergic reactions or sensitivities after applying the oils. Essential oils are also not safe to swallow.

More research is necessary to determine if these oils truly help relieve eczema symptoms.

If you’re using an essential oil for the first time, do a skin test. To perform a skin test, apply a small, diluted dab to a patch of skin. Look for signs of a reaction, like stinging, burning, or discoloration.

Learn more about essential oils and safety.

Essential oils that some people use to help manage eczema include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, calendula oil, and borage oil.

However, there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that they can be a useful part of a treatment plan for eczema.

Use essential oils with caution, as they can sometimes lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. Always talk with a doctor before applying anything new to your skin that they have not recommended.