Essential oils

Various

Natural, but among the more irritating things you can put on reactive skin.

moderate evidenceCaution in pregnancyRaises sun sensitivityIrritancy 4/5

Essential oils are fragrance by another name. Some, such as tea tree, have real antimicrobial activity. Many others — lavender, citrus peel, peppermint — contribute irritation and, in the case of some citrus oils, photosensitivity, without measurable benefit. 'Natural' carries no implication of gentleness here.

Related reading

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How to read an ingredient list

The order tells you more than the marketing on the front of the bottle.

Routine is educational and is not medical advice. Recommendations are generated from the answers you gave and general dermatological guidance — they cannot account for your full history. For persistent or severe skin conditions, or before starting anything new during pregnancy, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.