Fragrance ingredient
Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Oil
INCI: CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM FRUIT OIL
Cold-pressed essential oil from Citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit — an older INCI designation corresponding to the current Citrus Limon; the same oil is also sold as 'lemon peel oil'. Predominantly d-limonene (~70%) with beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, and trace citral. Unlike yuzu peel oil, cold-pressed lemon oil retains furanocoumarins (bergapten) at phototoxically relevant concentrations, making it a photosensitizer in leave-on formulas. Primarily used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.
Also known as: lemon fruit oil, citrus limon fruit oil
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Benefits
- ✓Fresh, bright citrus fragrance note widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetic formulation
- ✓Limonene-rich composition provides mild antioxidant activity alongside the primary fragrance role
- ✓Traditional aromatherapy use for its uplifting, clarifying scent profile
Watch for
- ⚠Phototoxic: cold-pressed lemon oil contains furanocoumarins (bergapten) — can cause pigmentation or burns when applied before UV exposure
- ⚠Limonene (>70% of the oil) is an EU-mandated fragrance allergen (Regulation 2023/1545); must be declared on leave-on product labels above 0.001%
- ⚠Citral present at low levels — a declarable EU fragrance allergen that may cause sensitization in susceptible individuals
- ⚠Should not be used on skin before sun exposure; best suited to rinse-off products or very low concentrations in leave-on formulas
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
