Essential oils are everywhere these days—from baby lotions to bedtime diffusers. While their scents can be soothing and their benefits appealing, not all oils are suitable for little ones. In fact, some essential oils that are safe for adults can be surprisingly harsh—or even harmful—for children.
If you’re a parent who loves natural wellness but wants to play it safe, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll explore which essential oils to avoid around kids, why they pose risks, and what gentler alternatives you can use instead. Let’s keep your home smelling great and safe!
Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a go-to for clearing sinuses and boosting energy, but it’s one of the most harmful essential oils for kids—especially babies and toddlers. The menthol in peppermint can slow breathing in young children and may even cause serious respiratory distress in those under 3. It’s a strong oil that just isn’t child-friendly in most situations.
If you love that minty freshness, there’s a gentler option: spearmint oil. It offers a similar scent but with lower menthol levels, making it a safer choice when properly diluted. Still, always check age guidelines and err on the side of caution.
Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is known for its crisp, clearing scent—great for stuffy noses, right? Not for kids. This powerhouse oil can actually irritate little airways and, in some cases, trigger breathing problems in toddlers. That’s why it’s often listed among the harmful essential oils for kids, especially when used in diffusers or applied topically without proper guidance.
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up that fresh, forest-like aroma entirely. Fir needle and Rosalina oil are gentler alternatives that offer similar benefits without overwhelming sensitive systems. Always dilute and keep diffusion light when using any oils around children.
Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil might smell sweet and refreshing, but it’s one of the most harmful essential oils for kids—and for good reason. This oil is rich in methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin, which can be toxic even in small amounts. Ingestion or overexposure can lead to serious health issues, making it a definite no-go for children.
Unlike some oils that can be used with caution, Wintergreen should be completely avoided around kids. There really isn’t a safe way to use it in homes with young children. When in doubt, it’s always better to choose a gentler alternative.
Cinnamon Bark Oil

Cinnamon bark oil may smell warm and cozy, but it’s surprisingly intense—especially for children. This spicy oil is highly concentrated and can irritate the skin, eyes, and even the respiratory system. That’s why it often appears on lists of harmful essential oils for kids, particularly when used undiluted or in strong diffusons.
If you love that comforting cinnamon scent, consider cinnamon leaf oil instead. It’s milder, but still should be used with care. Always dilute properly and avoid applying it directly to your child’s skin. When it comes to strong oils, less is definitely more around little ones.
Clove Oil

Clove oil is known for its bold, spicy scent and powerful antimicrobial properties—but it’s far too strong for children. This oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes and may even affect liver function with overexposure. It’s one of the harmful essential oils for kids that many parents aren’t aware of until problems arise.
Used in adult wellness blends and dental care, clove oil seems harmless—but don’t be fooled. It’s best kept far away from babies and toddlers. If you’re looking for safer alternatives, try diffusing sweet orange or lavender oil instead. They’re gentle, calming, and kid-approved.
Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil might be your favorite for focus and energy, but it’s not the best choice for little ones. It contains camphor, a compound that can overstimulate the nervous system and, in rare cases, trigger seizures in young children. That’s why it’s considered one of the harmful essential oils for kids, especially when used in concentrated forms.
If you enjoy the herbal freshness of rosemary, try cedarwood atlas as a gentler alternative. It offers a grounding, woodsy scent that’s much safer around children when diffused properly. Always double-check safety guidelines before introducing any new oil into your child’s space.
Thyme Oil

Thyme oil may be a kitchen favorite turned wellness staple, but it’s incredibly potent—especially for children. This oil contains strong compounds that can irritate the respiratory system and delicate skin. Because of its intensity, thyme oil is often listed among the harmful essential oils for kids, particularly when used undiluted or diffused too heavily.
While it has powerful antimicrobial properties, those benefits come with risks when it comes to young ones. If you’re looking for something milder, chamomile or lavender oil can offer calming effects without the harsh edge. Gentle is always better when it comes to little lungs.
Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is often praised for its antibacterial and antifungal power, making it a go-to for everything from bug bites to blemishes. But when it comes to little ones, this popular oil can be a hidden danger. It’s one of the harmful essential oils for kids because it can cause skin irritation, hormonal effects, and even confusion or drowsiness if overused.
While it may seem harmless in everyday products, even small amounts can be too strong for children. For a gentler option, consider using hydrosols or lavender oil in kid-safe blends. Always err on the side of safety.
Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a powerhouse in natural wellness circles—often used to fight off colds and infections. But its strength is exactly why it’s on the list of harmful essential oils for kids. This oil is incredibly potent and can cause skin burns, respiratory irritation, and digestive issues if ingested or misused.
Even in tiny amounts, oregano oil can overwhelm a child’s sensitive system. It’s best to avoid it completely for kids under 10. Instead, opt for kid-safe immune boosters like lemon or frankincense oil in low dilutions. Sometimes the gentlest remedies are the most effective for little ones.
Basil Oil

Basil oil might sound innocent—after all, it’s just a leafy kitchen herb, right? Not quite. Some types of basil essential oil, especially those high in estragole, have been linked to developmental concerns in children. That’s why it’s often counted among the harmful essential oils for kids, particularly for babies and toddlers.
While it’s great for focus and energy in adults, basil oil is too strong for young systems. If you love herbaceous scents, try Roman chamomile instead—it’s gentle, calming, and much safer for little ones. Always research each oil carefully before diffusing it around children.
Bonus: Essential Oils to Avoid for Babies (Under 2)
Babies have extra-sensitive systems, so even natural oils can be overwhelming or harmful. Here are some essential oils to keep off the list for little ones under 2:
- Peppermint – Contains menthol, which can affect breathing.
- Eucalyptus – May irritate airways and cause respiratory distress.
- Wintergreen – Highly toxic due to methyl salicylate content.
- Rosemary – Contains camphor, which can overstimulate the nervous system.
- Clove – Too strong for infant skin and may affect liver function.
- Oregano – Extremely potent and irritating to the skin and lungs.
- Basil (high in estragole) – Linked to developmental concerns.
Stick to gentle oils like lavender or Roman chamomile, and always diffuse with care or consult a pediatric aromatherapist.
Quick Tips for Using Essential Oils Safely Around Kids
- Dilute properly: Use a 0.25%–1% dilution rate for children to avoid irritation.
- Stick to short sessions: Diffuse for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Ventilation matters: Always use oils in well-ventilated spaces to protect little lungs.
- Store safely: Keep all essential oils out of reach.
- Even safe oils can become harmful essential oils for kids if used carelessly—less is more!
Conclusion
Essential oils can be a beautiful addition to your wellness routine—but when kids are involved, it’s important to be extra cautious. Some of the most popular oils for adults turn out to be harmful essential oils for kids, especially when used without proper dilution or guidance. Understanding which ones to avoid is the first step to creating a safer, healthier home.
The good news? You don’t have to give up natural scents altogether. By choosing gentle, kid-safe alternatives and using essential oils mindfully, you can enjoy all the benefits without putting your little ones at risk. Safety truly smells sweet!