Effects of Essential Oils on Scars and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #cicatrix #oils-volatile #wound-healing

Effects of Essential Oils on Scars and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Wang et al., 2023 | Facial Plast Surg | Systematic Review

Citation

Wang James C, Fort Callie L, ... Sidle Douglas M. Effects of Essential Oils on Scars and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review. Facial Plast Surg. 2023-Apr;39(2):173-179. doi:10.1055/a-1938-0343

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as a potential alternative therapy for wound healing and scar reduction. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive review examining the effects of EOs on wound healing and scars. PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, and Embase computerized searches were performed through June 2020. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction, with search results reviewed by the senior author following the PRISMA protocol. Three manuscripts examining three different EO-containing topical agents were analyzed. Outcomes include healing rate, erythema, pain, pruritus, patient discomfort, physician satisfaction, percent wound reduction, wound/scar surface perimeter area, and qualitative dermatological evaluation. All articles concluded that the EO-containing topical agents resulted in either superior or noninferior outcomes in comparison with controls. Hypericum-Calendula oil obtained lower wound surface perimeter area. Erythema (p = 0.001) was significantly decreased by the peppermint EO-containing topical agent. Physicians also reported greater satisfaction (p < 0.001) in wound appearance with use of the peppermint EO-containing topical agent. A paucity of studies have examined EO use for wound healing and scar reduction. Treatment with EO-containing topical agents resulted in decreased erythema with increased physician satisfaction of wound appearance. Future studies should assess what level of purity is needed for improved results and which EO, or combination of EOs, is most beneficial.

Key Findings

Future studies should assess what level of purity is needed for improved results and which EO, or combination of EOs, is most beneficial.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Cicatrix
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Wound Healing

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09