Are Essential Oils Safe for Children?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts — and while they offer wonderful benefits for adults, children's bodies process them very differently. Their skin is thinner, their livers are still developing, and their respiratory systems are more sensitive. This means that oils safe for adults can be too strong, or even harmful, for young children.
The good news? Plant Therapy has done the hard work for you with their KidSafe® range — a line of essential oils and blends specifically formulated and verified safe for children aged 2 to 10.
What Makes an Oil KidSafe®?
Plant Therapy's KidSafe® designation means the blend has been reviewed and approved by Robert Tisserand, one of the world's leading aromatherapy safety experts. KidSafe® blends exclude oils that are unsafe for children, such as:
- Peppermint (menthol can cause breathing difficulties in young children)
- Eucalyptus globulus (1,8-cineole content is too high for children under 10)
- Wintergreen (contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to children)
- Rosemary (can trigger seizures in children with certain conditions)
KidSafe® blends use gentler alternatives that deliver similar benefits without the risks.
Dilution Guidelines for Children
Even KidSafe® oils must be properly diluted before applying to a child's skin. Here are the recommended dilution rates:
- Ages 2–3: 0.5–1% dilution (1 drop per 2 teaspoons of carrier oil)
- Ages 3–10: 1–2% dilution (1–2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil)
- Ages 10+: Up to 2.5% dilution (adult-like dilution rates apply)
Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before full application, and avoid applying near the face, eyes, or hands (children touch their faces frequently).
For a full reference, see our Dilution Charts guide.
Our Favourite KidSafe® Blends
🛡️ Shield Me — Immune Support
Shield Me is a popular blend for seasonal wellness, combining oils like Lemon, Eucalyptus radiata, and Rosalina to support the immune system. It's a great one to diffuse during school term when bugs are going around.
How to use: Diffuse 3–4 drops, or dilute and apply to the bottoms of feet.
🌙 Nighty Night — Bedtime Wind-Down
Nighty Night is a dreamy blend of Lavender, Mandarin, and Chamomile that helps little ones settle down for sleep. The gentle, sweet scent is loved by kids and parents alike.
How to use: Diffuse 3–4 drops in the bedroom 30 minutes before bedtime, or dilute and apply to the back of the neck or soles of feet.
🤧 Sniffle Stopper — Respiratory Comfort
Sniffle Stopper uses child-safe alternatives to eucalyptus to support clear, comfortable breathing. Perfect for diffusing when your child has a stuffy nose.
How to use: Diffuse 3–4 drops, or dilute and apply to the chest (avoiding the face area).
🌱 Grow Ease — Growing Pains
Grow Ease is formulated to help soothe the discomfort of growing pains. Dilute and massage gently into legs and calves before bed.
Safe Application Methods for Kids
Diffusing
Diffusing is the safest and most popular method for children. Keep sessions short — 30 to 60 minutes maximum — and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Never diffuse in an enclosed space with a sleeping infant.
Topical Application
Always dilute in a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil work well for children's sensitive skin). Apply to the soles of the feet, the back, or the chest — never near the face or hands.
Avoid These Methods for Children
- ❌ Internal use (ingestion) — never appropriate for children
- ❌ Undiluted (neat) application to skin
- ❌ Steam inhalation (too intense for young children)
- ❌ Application near the face, eyes, or nose
Oils to Avoid Around Children Under 10
Even if you're using adult essential oils elsewhere in your home, keep these away from young children: Peppermint, Eucalyptus globulus, Wintergreen, Camphor, Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, and Thyme (high thymol).
Shop the KidSafe® Range
All of our KidSafe® products are sourced directly from Plant Therapy, Singapore's official authorised distributor. Browse the full range and find the right blend for your family:
