TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
Is lemon myrtle safe for sensitive skin? Yes!
When properly formulated, lemon myrtle is not only safe but also beneficial for sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties help reduce irritation, balance skin microbiota, and support healing - without harsh chemicals that may harm skin.
To view sensitive-skin inclusive lemon myrtle products, click here for our gentle face care range, or click here for our nourishing body care range.
1. What is Lemon Myrtle?
Lemon myrtle is a plant native to Australia with a high citral content, known scientifically as Backhousia Citriodora.
It has been used for tens of thousands of years thanks to its diverse natural properties, from healing to cooking to cleaning.
In skincare, it is used for its natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, cleansing, soothing, and energising skin simultaneously.
Because it requires no harsh chemicals to have such powerful results, lemon myrtle is a gentle yet reliable skincare ingredient that is also eco-conscious!
To learn more about what lemon myrtle is good for, click here, or click here to read about the differences between lemon and lemon myrtle.
2. Is Lemon Myrtle Safe for Sensitive Skin?
When lemon myrtle is diluted or used in chemical-free, skin-loving formulas (as it is in Lemon Myrtle Fragrances products!) this ingredient can be a game changer for people with sensitive skin.
Skincare formulas containing lemon myrtle will usually use it in oil form, which is much more gentle compared to other common natural oils used in skincare, such as the harsher tea tree or eucalyptus.
The high citral content in lemon myrtle also makes it more of a powerful antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial than tea tree or eucalyptus oil, without hindering its gentle natural skincare properties.
Lemon myrtle skincare products aren’t always good for sensitive skin, however. While lemon myrtle may be present, you still need to check that products are chemical-free. This definition of “chemical-free” may change between brands, so always do extra research to ensure that a lemon myrtle product doesn’t contain ingredients that will still damage or trigger your skin. To view what chemical free means to us, click here, or click here to read about what chemicals everybody should avoid in skincare.
Always patch test before you use a new product, no matter how natural or nasty-free it is. You can perform a patch test by applying a dab of the product to a small patch of clean skin, such as on your wrist, arm, or inside of the elbow. Use the product as you regularly would on that small patch of skin - applying it as thickly as normal, leaving it on for as long as the instructions state, and then washing it off if required.
Repeat this twice a day for a week, as a reaction might not happen immediately. If your skin reacts to the product, wash it off immediately and do not continue to use it.
3. Benefits of Lemon Myrtle for Skin Conditions
Lemon myrtle targets more than just general sensitive skin; it can also be highly beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. With its soothing properties, lemon myrtle helps alleviate redness, itching, and inflammation. A big relief for any of those living with the skin conditions of, or similar to, those listed.
Eczema
From Cleveland Clinic’s page on eczema:
“Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.”
Lemon myrtle impact on eczema:
- Helps reduce itchiness and inflammation naturally
- Supports a balanced skin barrier (especially when paired with hydrating aloe vera, as seen in our body and hand wash)
- Non-comedogenic (aka prevents pore blockages) and low-irritant profile
Psoriasis
From the Cleveland Clinic’s page on psoriasis:
“Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes itchiness and discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes thick, scaly areas of skin. While there isn’t a cure, psoriasis treatment can help manage symptoms.”
Lemon myrtle impact on psoriasis:
- Lemon myrtle’s antioxidants may help reduce flare-ups
- Anti-inflammatory effects soothe redness
- Plant-based skincare keeps psoriasis from angering
Dermatitis
From Healthline’s page on dermatitis:
“Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation, with various types including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic dermatitis. Symptoms of dermatitis can include rashes, blisters, dry or cracked skin, itchiness, pain, and skin discolouration. It can occur due to factors such as stress or contact with irritants.”
Lemon myrtle impact on psoriasis:
- Gentle on contact dermatitis-prone skin
- Helps control skin pH and microbial imbalance
- May reduce the risk of secondary infection
4. Why Choose Lemon Myrtle Over Other Essential Oils?
Above, we briefly mentioned lemon myrtle’s superior comparison to other common natural oils used in skincare, but its advantages don’t stop there.
Lemon myrtle is also:
- Naturally antibacterial without being too astringent (aka skin-tightening)
- Has a lower sensitisation risk compared to oils such as tea tree or peppermint oil
- It is sustainable and Australian-grown, which equals a lower carbon footprint and is better suited to our local climate!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use lemon myrtle on my face?
A: Yes - when used in a diluted or professionally formulated product, lemon myrtle is gentle, cleansing, and reliable! It can help combat acne, redness, and dryness.
Q: Is lemon myrtle good for itchy skin?
A: Absolutely. Its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties make it ideal for calming irritated or itchy skin, especially related to eczema or dry weather.
Q: Is lemon myrtle better than tea tree oil?
A: For sensitive skin - yes. Tea tree can be too harsh for some, while lemon myrtle offers similar antimicrobial benefits with a gentler profile and more pleasant scent.
Q: Can children or babies use lemon myrtle products?
A: Only if products are specially formulated for delicate skin. Look for baby-safe formulations and always patch test.
Q: Are there any side effects of lemon myrtle?
A: Rare, but possible skin irritation if used undiluted. Always use well-formulated products and perform a patch test.
Ready to try out the gentle power of lemon myrtle? Explore our eco-conscious, skin-loving range of products today by clicking here - crafted in Australia, safe for all skin types, and made with natural care in mind.