Grapefruit Oil Side Effects

Grapefruit oil contributes its refreshing, citrus scent to perfumes, skin splashes, shower gel and shampoo, as well as to household products, such as dish-washing liquid and air freshener. Aromatherapists may add grapefruit oil to massage oil or to an aroma diffuser to lift spirits, and some popular cellulite creams include grapefruit oil as an ingredient. If you are considering using grapefruit oil to fight cellulite or for any other reason, you should be aware of the side effects it may cause. Before using grapefruit oil or any other botanical treatment, talk to your doctor to be sure that it won't interfere with medications you may be taking.

Photo-sensitivity

Grapefruit oil, like most citrus oils, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you use grapefruit essential oil or a product that contains it on your skin, your risk of sunburn increases. Limit exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light for at least 12 hours after use to prevent skin damage, advise the authors of "Healing Scents: An Overview of Clinical Aromatherapy for Emotional Distress."

Drug Interactions

Substances found in grapefruit pulp, juice and skin interfere with the way your body metabolizes some drugs, which may increase their concentration in your blood and tissues. Avoid ingesting grapefruit products if you are taking blood thinners, some anti-depressants, such as buspirone, clomipramine and sertraline, or sedatives, such as diazepam and triazolam. Grapefruit oil and juice may also interfere with the statin drugs, cyclosporine and sildenafil.

Allergic Reaction

Grapefruit oil may cause hives if you are allergic to citrus oils in general, or to grapefruit oil in particular, according to a safety assessment published by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industry. If you have atopic eczema, the allergic reaction could be more severe, and include swelling of the lips, eyes and throat. Avoid using grapefruit oil products if you have an allergy to citrus fruit or citrus peels.