Yes, it is completely safe to use essential oils in the sauna. In a traditional sauna, the most effective way to use essential oils is to dilute them in water and pour the mixture over the heated stone to create steam. Pouring oil directly onto the stones may cause it to catch fire or produce smoke.

Since an infrared sauna doesn't have an external heating unit, you cannot follow the same approach. You can opt for a diffusion method, pour the oil directly onto a towel, or apply it to your skin. The method you choose will affect the extent of the essential oil's safety when exposed to heat.

Here is how you can use essential oils safely in infrared saunas:

• Do: Whether you add the oils to your towel or a bowl, always dilute them with water before using them in a sauna.
• Do: If you are going to use the oils directly on your skin, perform a patch test several hours before using them in the sauna. You can mix a portion of your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil to reduce the risk of irritation.
• Don't: Never apply undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin before going into a sauna session. An undiluted essential oil can irritate your skin, even if you don't have sensitive skin. The added heat exposure may worsen the effect.
• Don't: Essential oils are not meant to be ingested. Most essential oils are designed for topical application and should never be consumed, even when diluted.

Follow these tips to enjoy the combined benefits of infrared saunas and aromatherapy. 

One of the safest ways to use essential oils in a sauna is with a diffuser. You can find sauna-safe diffusers online or create your own with a heat-safe bowl. Once you have your diffuser, simply put water and a few drops of oil and place it in the sauna. Remember to place the diffuser on a low bench, far from foot traffic. Don't use plastic or electric diffusers unless you can verify their compatibility with saunas.

Aromatherapy for saunas is a great way to enhance your health goals. If you want to enhance relaxation and reduce stress, try lavender, frankincense, and chamomile. If you are looking to boost your mood and energy, sweet orange, lemon, and grapefruit are options worth trying. 

For sauna users who want clear breathing, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint are ideal. When shopping for essential oils, lean more toward pure, therapeutic-grade oils without synthetic additives for the best experience. 

The heat in the sauna can intensify the scent of the oil, leading to an overpowering smell that can cause headaches and an unpleasant experience. Start small with two to three drops of oil in water. You can add a drop after 5 to 10 minutes if the scent is faint.

Elevate your sauna experience and pair your aromatherapy routine with a personalized program. With our mPulse sauna, you can select a program that supports your health goals from six preset programs, or you can create your own on our app. From detoxification to inflammation reduction, you can choose a program that fits your goals.

Aromatherapy in an infrared sauna is safe when you follow proper safety guidelines. Browse our collection of infrared saunas to find the perfect foundation for your health routine.

Please remember to read our safety and contraindications information before use.