Usage patterns of aromatherapy essential oil among Chinese consumers

Given the concern over contact allergy risk associated with aromatherapy, information regarding the use of essential oils (EOs) is crucial for consumer dermal exposure assessment. In this study we mainly aim to describe the usage patterns of EOs among Chinese consumers to provide important data for exposure assessment to fragrance allergens in EOs. A web survey was conducted in April 2020 among 1,518 potential Chinese EO consumers to assess consumer usage patterns. The usage patterns of 11 types of EOs were collected among female consumers (N = 457; ages 0-70). For females aged 0-14, they used Lavanda (42.9%) and Tea tree (57.1%) oils only. Among the senior age groups (15-70), Lavanda oil was the most used EO with 46.7%, 51%, 68.1%, and 50% for females aged 15-24, 25-39, 40-59 and 60-70, respectively. The majority of females aged 25-59 used Rose, Lavanda, Sandalwood, Frankincense and Jasmine oil on their whole face more than three times a week at diverse dilution rates. Usage patterns are described for all age groups. In consideration of usage pattern of females aged 25-59, co-exposure to fragrance allergens contained in EOs and cosmetics could make them vulnerable to contact allergy. This study provides valuable information for dermal exposure assessment.

Automated summary

This study investigated the usage patterns of essential oils among Chinese consumers, finding that different age groups of female consumers had different frequencies and dilutions when using essential oils on their face. For females aged 25-59, co-exposure to fragrance allergens in cosmetics may increase their risk of contact allergy.