Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

What is it? 

Citrus aurantium is valued for its essential oils. This type of citrus fruit is typically used in perfumes and aromatherapy products. Bitter orange has also found its way into cooking where it is used for flavouring. It is also found to have antiviral characteristics and has been used as herbal medication. Moreover, bitter orange has become a main ingredient in many weight loss products as it has been proven to suppress appetite.  

Citrus sinensis, on the other hand, has largely been consumed as fruit, either fresh or processed. Its extract has been a mainstay in many breakfast tables, which everyone knows as orange juice. Sweet orange can also be found in the form of jelly, ice cream, or even cake flavouring. The flowers of this type of orange can also be made into tea. Sweet orange is a good source of Vitamin C and other beneficial flavonoids.  

Orange trees probably originated in Southeast Asia. Oranges are now widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. Sweet oranges, also know by the Latin name Citrus sinensis, include navel oranges, Valencia oranges and blood oranges. 

Orange peel oil can be produced by steam-distilling the peel. The oil is mostly comprised of the aromatic chemical limonene, which gives it a citrus-orange aroma and contributes to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

The high percentage of limonene nautrally present in orange peel oil contributes to its higher EWG score. Although limonene is found in nature, it can still have a negative effect on some people who may be sensitive to its oxidized compounds, which can be irritating to the skin. We use orange peel oil with care at low concentrations, and highlight limonene as a potential allergen when it's present in the formulation at concentrations greater than 0.001% in leave-on products or greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products. 

What are the benefits? 

• Conditioning 
• Antibacterial 
• Antifungal 
• aromatic 

EWG’s Skin Deep score = 5