Safety framework
Every blend scored on AromaForge passes through a conservative Safety Gate before anything else matters. This page explains what the gate checks and how to use the data on oil and constituent pages.
Covered-limit estimates & dilution
Where the database has a numeric dermal or phototoxic limit, the engine calculates a first-order covered-limit estimate for the submitted formula and route. It shows the number only when the result is verified / OK. Missing or unverified evidence blocks publishing and withholds the number. The estimate covers constraints represented in the database; it is not a comprehensive safe-use determination.
Phototoxicity
Cold-pressed citrus and other furocoumarin-bearing oils can cause phototoxic reactions on sun-exposed skin. Oil profiles flag phototoxicity explicitly and, where cited, carry a separate sun-exposed dermal maximum. The gate accounts for it automatically.
Oxidation & sensitization
Oxidized oils (high-limonene or high-pinene oils especially) sensitize skin far more than fresh ones. Profiles carry oxidation risk and sensitizer flags; the engine penalizes risky stacking and carriers with poor oxidative stability.
Population cautions
Pregnancy, children, epilepsy, anticoagulant therapy, asthma and sensitive skin each change what is appropriate. Set the population flags in the Blend Lab and the Safety Gate re-evaluates the blend for that context. Contraindications on oil pages list severity, route and source.
The publish gate
A blend only enters the public directories when its rating is 99–100 and the engine marks it publish-eligible. The release decision uses three states:
Hard block
A covered rule was exceeded or triggered, so the submitted use and publication are blocked. The rule's provenance may still require review; this state is not a diagnosis.
Provisional
Required evidence is missing or unverified. Publication and numeric limit display remain blocked.
Verified / OK
Covered checks passed and the result met the engine's evidence requirements for release.
The disclaimer that governs everything
AromaForge is for aromatherapy and wellness use only. Nothing here is medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating measures blend craft, harmony and safety — never medical efficacy. Consult a qualified professional for health concerns, and patch-test any new topical blend.