The most popular essential oils for itchy skin include: chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, cypress, rose, and tea tree. These oils are the most recommended for helping with the relief of dry, itchy skin. Essential oils have the power to deliver specific, beneficial healing properties from different plants in a highly concentrated and direct form to your body. When used properly they have been recognized for centuries for having therapeutic properties. Ancient cultures practiced the art of making essential oils by first soaking the flowers, bark, twigs, and leaves of plants in oil for a period of time then using linens to filter, purify and isolate the oils to make a potent, concentrated form. What are the best essential oils for itchy skin?

Depending on the type of oil applied, the healing effects of essential oils are limitless, from antibacterial defense to relief of pain and even aiding in emotional therapy. From a strictly scientific perspective, oils are extremely effective due to the 50 million smell receptors that are located inside the nasal passageways that connect directly to the brain’s limbic system, which is the area that is responsible for emotions and memories.     

This list features the most popular essential oils for itchy skin.

Myrrh

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrh) is useful for dry skin, elasticity and wrinkles. It is also a natural antiseptic and has antioxidants that contain powerful healing properties. It is regarded as being safe, except for children under the age of 6 or pregnant women. It can be used topically, in a diffuser, or as a food grade supplement.

Tea Tree

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is useful for skin problems such as acne, pimples, and protection from radiation burns as well as hair improvement for oil control, dandruff, and stimulating the scalp. It has regenerative properties that reduce swelling as well. There are not many side effects associated with using tea tree oil, however, children under the age of 6 should use cation. It can also create contact sensitization with repeated use. It can be used topically or in a diffuser.

Helichrysum

Helichrysum (also known as "immortelle") is useful for reducing inflammation, headaches, acne, promoting the healing of wounds or burns, detoxing and boosting the immune system, reversing the signs of aging in the skin, and fighting fungal infections. There are no known side effects to using the essential oil, but taking it internally can be toxic. It can be used topically or in a diffuser.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus fructicetorum) is useful for asthma, reducing swelling, stuffy nose, burns, ulcers, acne, bleeding gums, diabetes, fever, flu, loss of appetite, arthritis, and liver and gallbladder problems. Eucalyptus oil is unsafe when taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin without being diluted first. It is safe when consumed in the small amounts found in food and can be used in foods as a dried leaf. It can also be applied topically, used in a diffuser, or taken in small doses orally, when diluted first.

Peppermint

Peppermint Essential Oil is useful for irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, morning sickness, cramps, gas, colds, coughs, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus and respiratory infections, headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, joint problems, and toothache. There are no known side effects to using peppermint oil, but mild skin irritation could be a factor. It can be taken internally, topically, and used in a diffuser.

Bergamot

Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia) has calming effects and can be applied topically or diffused. There have been serious side effects from using bergamot for children, including convulsion and death when large amounts have been taken. It is not recommended for children or pregnant women. It can also be applied as a deodorant, or added to food and water as a supplement.

Chamomile

Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamemelum nobile) aids in sleep and has calming and relaxing properties that help to reduce anxiety, dispel anger, and release old emotions. Possible dangerous side effects can include: anaphylaxis, contact dermatitis, and other severe hypersensitivity reactions. You can diffuse it or rub two drops on the temples or back of the neck, either prior to going to bed or when facing a difficult situation.

Frankincense

Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia carterii or Boswellia Sacra) carries much-needed oxygen into the brain and stimulates the limbic area of the brain, which includes the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. It can be blended with all oils. 

Cedarwood

Cedarwood Essential Oil (Cedrus atlantica) has calming properties and has been found in clinical tests to be of benefit to children suffering ADD and ADHD. It stimulates the limbic region of the brain and the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, aiding in sleep cycles. It can be diffused or applied topically. The best place to apply it is to the base of the neck.

Tangerine

Tangerine Essential Oil can be used for anxiety, insomnia, irritability, liver problems, digestive problems, parasites, fluid retention, and obesity. It promotes happiness, is calming, and helps with anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. There are no known side effects to using this essential oil. It can be applied directly to the body, used in a diffuser, or taken internally.

Lavender

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula angustifolia) relaxes you and makes you more alert. It can balance any personality. Possible dangers of not using lavender properly are: irritation of the skin, allergic reactions, nausea, headache, chills, or vomiting. Can be applied topically or diffused in a room.

Geranium

Geranium Essential Oil (Aceite de Geranio Rosa) is useful for nerve pain, when applied to the skin, athletic performance, diarrhea, and weight loss. Possible side effects of using the oil include developing a rash or burning sensation when it is applied to the skin and eye irritation when applied directly to the face. It is typically applied externally or taken internally in food dose amounts.

Cypress

Cypress Essential Oil (Cypressus sempervirens) is useful for oily skin and wrinkles. It also helps to circulate and regulate blood flow, and serves as a decongestant and a detox for water retention in the body. There are no known side effects for using cypress, but pregnant women should use caution. It can be used topically or in a diffuser.

Marjoram

Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana) can be useful for asthma, headache, bronchitis, whooping cough, and constipation. It has no known side effects when used properly. It can be used in a diffuser.

Rose

Rose Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) stimulates the mind and helps promote a sense of well-being. If you are going to apply this oil on its own topically, you need only a slight dab. This is likely to be an oil you will use in a blend, rather than on its own.

Jasmine

Jasmine Essential Oil (Jasminum officinale) alleviates depression, enhances relaxation, relieving headaches and insomnia. There are no known dangerous side effects to using jasmine. It can be applied topically or diffused in a room.