What is the Liquid Inside Reed Diffusers and is it Poisonous?

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If you’re thinking about purchasing a reed diffuser, or perhaps your home situation has recently changed, and you’re worried about how safe the liquid inside a reed diffuser is, worry no more. In this article we go over what the liquid inside reed diffusers is, and how safe it is for you, children, and pets.

So, what is the liquid in reed diffusers? The liquid inside reed diffusers is a mixture of carrier oil and fragrance oil. Carrier oils are lightweight, unscented base oils, whilst fragrance oils are typically essential oils. The liquid in reed diffusers can often be toxic or poisonous if ingested.

Read on to learn more about the liquid inside reed diffusers and their safety.

What is the Liquid in Reed Diffusers?

The liquid inside reed diffusers is typically a mixture of carrier oil, and essential oils. Carrier oils tend to be lightweight, unscented, and untinted, as to not interrupt the scent and aesthetic of the finished product.

Carrier oils include:

Fractionated coconut oil
Safflower oil
Sweet almond oil
Grapeseed oil
Apricot kernel oil
Avocado oil

Carrier oils are then mixed with 0.5-5% essential oils. This reduced the strength of the essential oil, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, and other safety concerns. This dilution also makes the product cheaper to produce, and purchase.

That being said, some reed diffusers will be further diluted with alcohol and other chemicals. If you’re concerned about any ingredient in particular, always read the ingredients before purchasing.

Can Reed Diffusers be Toxic?

Reed diffusers can absolutely be toxic, and highly flammable. It is best to keep them away from the reach of children and pets, and away from any sources of heat.

It’s important to remember that Natural doesn’t equal Safe, after all, many poisons are naturally occurring. So, even if your reed diffuser claims to be all-natural, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe for everyone in your home.

Most home fragrances are difficult to ingest in large amounts, therefore serious effects are relatively uncommon. However, reed diffusers are incredibly easy to ingest in large quantities as they are literally liquid in a bottle. This is particularly true and concerning for children who don’t understand what they’re doing, and pets who may knock the diffusers from its surface and proceed to ingest them in some way.

Are Reed Diffusers Safe for Kids?

Reed diffusers are safe to have around children, as long as they are placed in an area where children cannot reach them, or accidentally knock them over.

The various ingredients within reed diffusers, whilst often natural, can cause a variety of issues if ingested, from minor issues to drowsiness, skin or mouth irritation, an upset stomach, and vomiting, to severe issues such as tremors and seizures in extreme cases.

However, this can be avoided without needing to sacrifice the use of reed diffusers. Simply place them high up, where children cannot access them.

Are Reed Diffusers Dangerous to Pets?

Reed diffusers can be harmful to pets, by just inhaling them. They can cause sensory overload, overwhelm pets, and may have psychological effects. Reed diffusers are particularly dangerous for pets with breathing issues such as asthma. Pets can also receive negative effects by ingestion, and through contact with the skin.

What’s more, various oils are dangerous to pets, and should always be avoided. Some of these include, but isn’t limited to:

Anise oil
Cinnamon oil
Juniper oil
Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Ylang Ylang oil

That being said, there are a variety of oils that are safe to use around pets:

Chamomile
Cedarwood
Lavender
Ginger grass
Marjoram

If you’re planning on using reed diffusers around pets, we recommend consulting a vet before doing so. It would also be a good idea to familiarise yourself with common signs of poisoning in pets.

What is a Good Carrier Oil For Reed Diffusers?

Good carrier oil for reed diffusers should be lightweight, relatively unscented, and, in some cases, untinted. Consider the following three aspects when choosing a carrier oil:

Consistency – the oil should be thin and lightweight in order to be better absorbed
Tint – For aesthetic purposes only
Scent – the oil should be relatively unscented so that it doesn’t clash with or overpower the fragrance chosen

Learn more about carrier oils and how to choose a good reed diffuser liquid here