Organic products containing essential oils

[tallulahfallulah]

Does anyone know if there is a risk to using organic face wash or moisturiser which contains essential oils? Would these be too dilute to cause harm? I know obviously using them neat or inhaling can be an issue but there doesn't seem to be much info on whether it's ok to use products containing them?

Yes, generally speaking, it probably is because they're quite dilute and you're likely washing them right off (in the case of face wash), but it would depend on what essential oils they are. Many essential oils are perfectly safe in pregnancy, and there really are only a few in commercial use that you really should avoid, e.g. clary sage, at least until you're at term. But things like lavender, orange oil, etc. are generally considered safe in normal concentrations in a carrier oil. I would basically just look up the individual oils on an aromatherapy site and double check. I use a facial cleansing oil (that I make myself, so I know the concentrations) with lavender and tea tree oil daily.

Thanks mindutopia, I did have a look online but websites all seem to say different things about which are safe and which not! I found this on the 'bumps' website earlier though:
Cosmetics/toiletries
The level of essential oils found in everyday perfumes, cosmetics, skin care products and toiletries is generally low and is therefore very unlikely to pose a risk to your unborn baby. However, it is always important to check the product information to see if avoidance in pregnancy is advised. It is also important to avoid products from unknown suppliers, e.g. unbranded products sold on the internet as these may not go through safety and quality control checks, and may also contain other substances that could be potentially harmful to a baby in the womb.