Maintaining a home skin care routine is a key part of treating seborrheic dermatitis, a common type of eczema. Some people with seborrheic dermatitis use topical (on the skin) oils for relief from symptoms such as itchy skin, dryness, flaking skin, inflamed scalp (dandruff), and skin discoloration.

“I only experience itching when I’m emotionally drained or stressed out, as well as when the weather changes. I use a scalp oil from Balmonds that has helped me,” a MySebTeamMember shared.

Although some oils may be helpful for seborrheic dermatitis, others may aggravate the condition and should be avoided on sensitive skin.

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical oils can be found in various forms, including:

• Pure oil, such as 100 percent coconut oil
• Essential oils, which are concentrated extracts of plants and should be diluted before use on sensitive skin
• Oil as an ingredient in a skin or hair product, such as a cleanser, lotion, or medicated shampoo

Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different. Oils that may help some people with seborrheic dermatitis may be irritating for others. Seborrheic dermatitis often occurs on the face, which can be especially sensitive. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying a new product on affected areas of the skin.

Dermatologists often advise people with skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis to test a new product on a small area of affected skin first (patch test) to see if they have an unpleasant reaction. If you are experiencing a bad flare-up, you’ll want to be extra careful with an oil you haven’t used before.

Anytime you have a bad reaction to a product, stop using it immediately, and be sure to contact your doctor if any unwanted side effects don’t go away quickly. OTC oils are generally considered natural remedies and are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They shouldn’t replace other treatment options recommended by your doctor.

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, here are some oils that may benefit your skin or scalp.

1. Tea Tree Oil and Other Essential Oils

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree — commonly known as tea tree — which is native to Australia. It’s often sold as an essential oil. It can also be found in numerous hair and skin care products and is known for its strong, piney aroma. Tea tree oil, like some other essential oils, has been found to have antifungal properties that can help control the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which is associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Essential oils also have antioxidant properties that promote cell health.

Tea tree oil and other essential oils can irritate sensitive skin and should only be used in a diluted form. In people with seborrheic dermatitis, shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil can be applied to the skin or scalp and left on for three to 10 minutes and then rinsed. Essential oils can also be diluted with a carrier oil or a neutral oil such as aloe vera oil.

Tea tree oil is not recommended for other types of eczema and should never be consumed orally.

“I got my 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo at Whole Foods,” a MySebDermTeam member wrote.

Another member said, “It was nice for a change going for a haircut and not being totally mortified to have the stylist see my scalp! I’ve been using a tea tree and geranium essential oil mixture I made, and it’s been working great lately!”

Other essential oils that may be good for seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Lime oil
• Rosemary oil
• Jojoba oil

2. CBD Oil

A growing body of research shows that cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce scalp inflammation in people with seborrheic dermatitis. CBD is derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant and contains compounds known as cannabinoids. These substances interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Researchers believe they help regulate the skin barrier, immune response in the skin, and the skin’s sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance) linked to seborrheic dermatitis. Cannabinoids may also counter hair loss.

CBD essential oil can be found in a range of hair and skin products and should not be used undiluted on sensitive skin. CBD hair and skin products are considered to be generally safe. However, some people may experience an unwanted reaction, like irritative or allergic contact dermatitis.

3. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil, such as vaseline (petroleum jelly) or baby oil, is produced from crude oil. On the skin, mineral oil can be very effective in retaining moisture. Mineral oil is sometimes recommended for treating seborrheic dermatitis in babies, which is also known as cradle cap. Mineral oil can be safely massaged into a baby’s scalp and left on for several hours or overnight. It can loosen cradle cap scales for easy removal.

4. Coconut Oil

Many people find that coconut oil can soothe their symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. They believe this is because the oil contains lipids (fatty acids) that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties help fight off microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which can reduce swelling and prevent infections.

A MySebDermTeam member shared their experience: “My face gets red every day and my skin is dry and flaky. The best thing I use for my face is Advanced Clinicals Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream, which I purchased from Amazon. This is the only thing I have used that works.”

Another member had similar praise: “Try 99 percent pure coconut oil. It’s a miracle.”

However, it’s important to use coconut oil with caution, especially on the scalp, if you’re living with seborrheic dermatitis. Some research indicates that coconut oil could promote the growth of Malassezia yeast. It’s a good idea to do a patch test before using coconut oil on large areas of your skin. You might also want to check with your dermatologist to see if coconut oil is right for your skin type and condition.

Oils To Avoid With Seborrheic Dermatitis

Some oils are not recommended for people with seborrheic dermatitis and should be avoided. Here are some oils that may make seborrheic dermatitis symptoms worse.

1. Olive Oil

Despite the many health benefits of eating olive oil, some dermatology research shows that olive oil may damage the skin barrier if you put it directly on your skin. The National Eczema Society in London advises against using olive oil on skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis.

The effects of olive oil on the skin remain controversial. A recent study in the journal Nutrients suggested that extra virgin olive oil may be beneficial to the skin and help with wound healing. Talk to your doctor before using olive oil on your skin.

2. Oils With Synthetic Fragrance

Some oils may contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or may cause allergic reactions. Synthetic fragrances — unlike essential oils or natural oils — are lab-made compounds that often include unregulated chemicals. Fragrances can include chemicals that irritate the skin in people with seborrheic dermatitis or other skin conditions such as psoriasis. Synthetic fragrances are often listed on a hair or skin care product simply as “fragrance.”

Even if a skin care product promotes a potentially healthy ingredient such as tea tree oil, it’s important to read the ingredients to be sure fragrances have not been added.

3. Oils With Preservatives

Preservatives are chemicals that are added to skin care products to kill bacteria and fungi to give them a longer shelf life. These chemicals can be found in products that are promoted as scalp or body oils, and they may aggravate sensitive skin and make seborrheic dermatitis symptoms worse.

Parabens and formaldehyde are common preservatives used in skin care. Other preservatives have complex chemical names. If you don’t recognize an ingredient on a body or scalp product, it’s best to avoid it or ask your doctor about it.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 11,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Have you tried using an oil for your seborrheic dermatitis? Have you had any bad reactions? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.