Essential oils are typically seen as symbols of calm and comfort, whether it be a few drops of lavender on a pillow, a mist of eucalyptus from a diffuser, or a dab of peppermint oil on the temple. While their tiny bottles may seem harmless—and even helpful—there’s more to the story, especially when little ones are in the picture.
As Tiana Patriarca, a clinical toxicology fellow at Children’s of Alabama and the Alabama Poison Information Center, shares, essential oils, while natural, are far from risk-free. “As long as they’re used the way that’s directed on the packaging, they are safe products to use,” she says. “However, when kids get into them or people use too much, that’s when we start to see the dangers and toxicities.”
With their vibrant colors, enticing scents, and sleek bottles, essential oils can be especially appealing to children. They look like candy, smell like flowers, and are often left out in easy-to-reach places like nightstands, bathroom counters, and living room shelves—right where they’re most likely to be found by curious hands.
Some of the most common types, like lavender and tea tree oil, are usually used in home diffusers or personal care items. Others, like camphor oil or oil of wintergreen, have medicinal uses. All of them can pose real dangers if not stored and used responsibly.
One major issue is that many essential oils are highly concentrated. “Some are actually meant to be diluted,” Patriarca explains. Applying them directly to broken skin, or using them on young children who are more sensitive, can lead to irritation—or worse. Skin isn’t the only concern, either. Ingesting even a small amount can result in nausea, vomiting, or more serious toxicity.
To help keep children safe, Patriarca recommends keeping essential oils in their original packaging—never transferring them to unlabeled or food-like containers—and storing them high up or locked away. “Being mindful of where and how you store them is really important,” she says. “Even though they’re often used in open areas like bathrooms or living rooms, it’s best to keep them out of sight and out of reach.”
Essential oils may be natural, but they aren’t foolproof. Like candles, cleaning products, and medications, they require a little extra attention—especially in homes with children.
If a child does manage to get into a bottle, whether by swallowing it or getting it on their skin, the first step isn’t to panic—it’s to get help. “Call your local poison center,” Patriarca advises. “There’s a national toll-free number that connects you to a specialist who can help you figure out what to do next.”
Essential oils may be natural, but they aren’t foolproof. Like candles, cleaning products, and medications, they require a little extra attention—especially in homes with children. So next time you run the diffuser, drop lavender in the bath, or reach for that peppermint when a headache hits, make sure to treat those small bottles with the utmost care and caution, just like any other powerful product in your home. Because keeping your space calm and comforting shouldn’t come at the cost of safety—and with just a little intention, it doesn’t have to.
