Is undiluted neem oil safe for direct skin application?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The safety of neem oil relies on it being blended properly for topical use. Neem oil in its pure state can have redness, itchiness, or even a burning sensation, because of the intensity of some of its compounds. I treated a client who had put the oil, in its pure state, on their eczema patches, and there was such severe irritation that it took two weeks for it to heal.
Facial Applications
- Mix 0.5% neem oil with jojoba or rosehip oil
- Test on inner elbow for 24 hours before use
- Avoid eye contours and broken skin areas
Body & Scalp Use
- Increase to 2% dilution for thicker skin areas
- Combine with coconut oil for scalp massages
- Rinse thoroughly after 30 minutes to prevent buildup
The stability of neem oil is influenced by how it's stored. Store it in dark glass bottles, and below 77°F (25°C), to keep it from becoming rancid. A friend had diluted blends prepared (but was livid it was six months or more) and they were in plastic for six months. Neem oil degraded and caused skin irritation even though he used the proper dilution ratios. Using glass containers gets you to use longer before losing efficacy.
Read the full article: 10 Versatile Neem Oil Uses for Home & Health
