Peer-review started: October 24, 2016
First decision: December 1, 2016
Revised: January 8, 2017
Accepted: February 10, 2017
Article in press: February 13, 2017
Published online: May 2, 2017
Processing time: 186 Days and 12.6 Hours
Essential oils (EOs) as home remedies and for health benefits have been used for millennia, but with the recent surge in the popularity of natural products, these oils have garnered increased attention. EOs are complex natural mixtures obtained plant materials, and have demonstrated potent biological effects in vitro. They have commercial value in the food, cosmetics, and fragrance industries, and also have also experienced a steady rise in personal and home use as part of aromatherapy. Currently, widespread acceptance and use of EOs is limited by a lack of large-scale clinical trials in humans. In addition, they are associated with notable side effects such as contact and allergic dermatitis, among a myriad of rare but serious systemic side effects. This review is intended to provide the clinician with key background information and biology of essentials oils, identify key trials demonstrating benefits, and describe adverse effects, with a focus on cutaneous presentations.
Core tip: Essential oils (EOs) have been used as home remedies for millennia. Currently, widespread acceptance and use of EOs is limited by a lack of large-scale clinical trials in humans. In addition, EOs are associated with notable side effects such as contact and allergic dermatitis, among a myriad of rare but serious systemic side effects. We review the current usage of EOs and identify pertinent cutaneous manifestations.