Best Essential Oils for Eczema and Dry Skin

By Jennifer RobergeApr 21, 2022

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Updated July 20, 2026

Essential oils are often recommended online as a natural remedy for eczema. Lavender, tea tree and sandalwood oils are frequently described as calming, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory. But natural does not always mean gentle, especially when your skin barrier is already dry, inflamed or damaged.

So, are essential oils good for eczema? The honest answer is that they may feel soothing for some people, but they can irritate sensitive skin and trigger allergic contact dermatitis in others. There is not enough evidence to name one essential oil as the best choice for eczema, and many dermatologists recommend avoiding fragrance and essential oils on eczema-prone skin.

Here is what to know before adding essential oils to your eczema skincare routine.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that’s characterized by rough patches of red and itchy skin. It results from a damaged skin barrier that has trouble retaining moisture. That’s why dryness is such a key characteristic of this skin condition. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but research shows that it may be linked to genetic and environmental factors, as well as a weakened skin barrier. Many people with eczema experience flare ups because of triggers like irritating fabrics, sweat, cold weather, smoke, pet fur, mold, certain foods, and chemicals or toxins found in soaps and beauty products. Consider switching to gentle eczema soap alternatives.

To learn more about eczema, read our guide: Eczema 101: What Is Eczema?

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts taken from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots or other parts of plants. They give plants their characteristic aroma and are commonly used in skincare, fragrances and aromatherapy.

Despite the name, essential oils are not essential nutrients. They are also very different from plant-based carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba or sunflower seed oil.

Because essential oils are so concentrated, applying them directly to the skin can cause irritation, burning or an allergic reaction. Even a diluted essential oil may be too irritating for someone with eczema or very sensitive skin.

Essential Oils for Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, there are ways to manage symptoms and ease irritation. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the use of essential oils to treat the condition, many people report they do work as a complementary remedy, particularly mixed into skincare formulations like creams and balms. However, if essential oils are new to you, you may want to check with your doctor before using them and ALWAYS patch test in a small area before applying liberally. Some people may experience an allergic reaction or irritation due to skin sensitivities.

Do not apply essential oil directly on eczema flares. Always dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil or skincare product before applying to your skin.

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils for Eczema

Essential oils and carrier oils are not the same thing.

Essential oils are concentrated aromatic plant extracts. Examples include lavender, tea tree, peppermint and sandalwood oils.

Carrier oils are fatty oils that are sometimes used as moisturizers or to dilute essential oils. Examples include coconut, avocado, almond, sunflower seed and jojoba oils.

Virgin coconut oil and sunflower seed oil have been studied for their potential skin-barrier benefits, although results and individual tolerance vary.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Children With Eczema?

Children’s skin can be especially sensitive, and younger children may absorb topical ingredients differently than adults. Essential oils should not be applied directly to a baby or child’s eczema without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Essential oils should also be stored securely because swallowing even a small amount of certain oils can be dangerous.

Essential Oils Commonly Used for Eczema and Dry Skin

Essential oils can be a beneficial addition to eczema skincare when they are carefully selected, properly diluted and incorporated into a well-formulated product. Many people find that products containing essential oils help calm the feeling of irritation, support dry skin and make their skincare routine more enjoyable.

The key is how they are used. Applying a pure essential oil directly to eczema-prone skin is very different from using a balm, cream, oil or cleanser in which the essential oil has been added at an appropriate concentration.

Here are some of the best-known essential oils used in skincare for eczema and dry, itchy skin.

Essential oil	Potential skincare benefits	What to keep in mind
Lavender oil	Often used for its calming aroma and soothing properties. It can make a nighttime skincare routine feel especially comforting.	Lavender should be properly diluted or included in a professionally formulated skincare product. People with fragrance sensitivities should introduce it carefully.
Tea tree oil	Valued for its cleansing and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular ingredient in products for irritated or problem-prone skin.	Tea tree oil is potent and should never be applied undiluted to eczema. Avoid using old or oxidized tea tree oil.
Sandalwood oil	Often included in products for dry skin because of its soothing qualities and warm, gentle aroma.	As with any fragrant plant extract, individual sensitivities are possible. Start with a small amount of a properly formulated product.
Chamomile oil	Known for its calming properties and often used in skincare designed to comfort red, dry or easily irritated skin.	People with allergies to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or related plants may be more likely to react to chamomile.
Geranium oil	Used in natural skincare to help balance and refresh dry or stressed-looking skin.	Its floral fragrance may not suit everyone with highly sensitive skin. Look for a diluted, professionally formulated product.
Frankincense oil	Frequently used in nourishing skincare for dry, mature or stressed skin. It is valued for its soothing aroma and skin-conditioning properties.	Do not apply pure frankincense oil directly to cracked, raw or actively inflamed skin.
Helichrysum oil	Often selected for products intended to calm and nourish sensitive or compromised skin.	Helichrysum should still be properly diluted, and new products should be introduced gradually.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely on Eczema-Prone Skin

The safest and easiest option is to choose a finished skincare product made by a reputable formulator rather than creating your own essential-oil blend. In a professionally formulated cream, balm, soap or body oil, the essential oils should be used at concentrations appropriate for topical application.

A few precautions can make trying a new product safer:

Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to eczema.
Avoid adding drops of pure essential oil to broken, cracked or weeping skin.
Introduce one new skincare product at a time.
Test the product on a small area before using it more widely.
Stop using it if you notice increased burning, itching, redness or swelling.
Use extra caution on the face, eyelids and young children.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you have severe eczema, known fragrance allergies or frequent unexplained reactions.

There is no single best essential oil for everyone with eczema. Some people enjoy excellent results from skincare containing lavender, tea tree, chamomile or sandalwood, while others do better with fragrance-free formulas. As with so many parts of eczema care, the goal is to find the ingredients and products that work well for your individual skin.

What's next? Take our Skin Quiz!

Or checkout our natural creams, balms and oils carefully formulated to be gentle on eczema.