Ingredient & Essential Oil Safety Guide
At Essentially Yours, we believe informed choices create confident experiences. This guide is designed to help you better understand our ingredient standards, the nature of essential oils and fragrance oils, and important safety considerations — especially when creating custom blends from our available scent selections.
We proudly offer both pre-made formulations and customizable scent options. While personalization is encouraged, aromatic ingredients are highly concentrated and require thoughtful, informed use. Customers selecting custom scent combinations are encouraged to review ingredient information and consider individual sensitivities, medical conditions, and household environments.
Natural does not mean risk-free — it means informed and responsible use.
Our Ingredient Standards
We prioritize high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients selected for both performance and skin compatibility.
Our formulation standards include:
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Plant-based ingredients whenever possible
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Vegan formulations whenever possible
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Organic ingredients whenever possible
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Non-toxic formulation philosophy
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No unnecessary fillers or harsh additives
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Small-batch production for quality control
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Thoughtful preservation methods
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Clear labeling and ingredient transparency
Each ingredient is selected with purpose — not trend.
Understanding Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. A single drop can represent a significant amount of plant material, which is why proper dilution and mindful application are essential.
Our pre-made blends are formulated at approximately a 5% dilution rate, intended for balanced aromatic strength and responsible topical use for most healthy adults. Lower dilution levels are generally recommended for children, elderly individuals, sensitive skin types, and certain health conditions.
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Custom blends may vary in dilution depending on the selected oils and intended use. Because of this, thoughtful selection and awareness are important when choosing scent combinations.
Because of their potency:
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Essential oils should not be applied undiluted to the skin
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Proper dilution supports safer topical use
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Sensitivity can vary based on age, health status, and environment
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Individual tolerance should always be considered
When used properly, essential oils can be supportive. When misused, they may cause irritation or sensitization. Respecting potency is key.
Fragrance Oils & Transparency
Our pre-made blends are formulated primarily with essential oils, while fragrance oils may be incorporated upon customer request to achieve specific scent profiles that cannot be created through essential oils alone.
Fragrance oils are blended aromatic compounds formulated to provide consistent, stable scent performance. Unlike essential oils, which are naturally derived plant extracts, fragrance oils may contain a combination of natural and synthetic aroma components designed for longevity and scent accuracy.
Phthalate-free fragrance oils are separated and clearly labeled on our scent selection page. Customers are encouraged to review scent descriptions and ingredient information carefully when creating custom blends.
Because fragrance oils differ from essential oils in composition, individuals with fragrance sensitivities, allergies, or certain health conditions should review ingredients before selecting a scent combination.
We are committed to clear labeling, ingredient transparency, and informed customer choice.
Safe Usage & Dilution Awareness
Essential oils and fragrance compounds should always be used with awareness and personal responsibility, especially
when selecting custom blends.
For topical application:
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Perform a patch test before full use
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Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
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Do not apply to broken or compromised skin
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Be cautious with sun-exposed areas, as some oils may increase photosensitivity
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Store products away from heat and direct sunlight
Additional caution is advised if you are:
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Pregnant or nursing
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Using essential oils on children
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Taking prescription medications
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Managing chronic health conditions
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Living with autoimmune disorders
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Sensitive to fragrances
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Managing asthma or respiratory conditions
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Prone to eczema, rosacea, or reactive skin
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Managing hormone-sensitive conditions
Certain essential oils or fragrance components may not be appropriate in these circumstances. Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is recommended if you are unsure. Natural products still require informed use.
For reference, please review our Essential Oils Contraindications Chart below, which highlights commonly noted conditions and medications.
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This chart is provided for general educational reference and is not a comprehensive medical guide.
Pet Safety Considerations
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and while they may offer benefits for humans, they can pose risks to pets. Cats and dogs process these substances differently than people, which can increase their risk of toxicity.
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When using essential oil or fragrance-based products in homes with pets:
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Avoid direct topical application unless formulated specifically for pets
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Use diffusion sparingly and in well-ventilated spaces
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Allow animals to leave the room freely
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Never force exposure
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Observe for behavioral or respiratory changes
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Consult a veterinarian familiar with essential oil safety when uncertain
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​The following points outline important, research-based safety considerations for pet owners.
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Cats cannot break down certain chemicals in essential oils very well, which makes them more likely to get sick from exposure.
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Tea tree oil can be toxic to both cats and dogs, especially if it is used undiluted or in high amounts.
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Strong oils like oregano, thyme, and clove are especially risky for cats because their bodies have a harder time processing them.
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Pure essential oils are much stronger than hydrosols (floral waters) and therefore carry a higher risk of causing harm.
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Breathing in essential oil vapors can irritate a pet’s lungs, especially in pets that already have breathing problems.
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Oils can soak into a pet’s skin, and since cats groom themselves often, they may swallow the oil while licking their fur (We do not advise using essential oils at all on cats).
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Smaller pets are at greater risk because even a small amount of oil can affect them more strongly due to their size. *
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Signs of essential oil poisoning can include drooling, vomiting, stumbling, shaking, extreme tiredness, or trouble breathing.
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Ongoing exposure, even in small amounts, can build up over time, especially in cats.
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Kittens under 8–10 weeks old are at especially high risk, because their liver and detox systems are not fully developed, making essential oil exposure more dangerous.
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Puppies under 8 weeks old are more vulnerable to essential oils, since their organs are still developing and their small body size increases the risk of toxicity.
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It’s safest to talk to a veterinarian before using essential oils around pets, especially if your pet is young, older, pregnant, or has health issues.
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* Cats, birds, and small animals may be particularly sensitive to certain compounds, and we do not recommend the use of essential oil or fragrance products directly on these animals.
When in doubt, less is more.
Product Separation & Natural Variation
Because we do not use synthetic stabilizers or chemical emulsifiers solely for visual uniformity, you may notice that certain products naturally separate or layer over time.
This is normal and does not affect product quality or performance.
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If separation occurs, simply shake the product gently to re-blend before use.
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Natural formulations may also vary slightly in color, texture, or aroma from batch to batch due to seasonal and botanical differences. These variations are a natural characteristic of small-batch production.
Transparency & Responsibility
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. We do not claim therapeutic benefits from our products, and no statements made by Essentially Yours are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
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The use of essential oils and fragrance oils in our products is intended for aromatic and cosmetic purposes only.
Statements pertaining to our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our products are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional or your own research.
Customers are responsible for reviewing ingredient information and making informed choices based on personal health considerations. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medication, managing a medical condition, or have concerns about your physical or mental well-being, please consult your physician or healthcare provider prior to use.
Individual responses may vary. If irritation or adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately.
By offering both pre-made and customizable scent options, we aim to empower customers with choice — supported by education and awareness.
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We believe informed customers make confident decisions.
Have Questions?
Have questions about ingredients, dilution, or which option may be best for your needs?
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We welcome you to contact us directly for guidance in choosing a scent or formulation that aligns with your preferences, sensitivities, and lifestyle.