Fragrance ingredient
Citrus Aurantifolia Oil
INCI: Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
An essential oil expressed or steam-distilled from the peel of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) used primarily as a fragrance ingredient; the cold-pressed form contains furanocoumarins that are phototoxic in leave-on applications.
Also known as: lime essential oil, lime oil
FragranceSkin-conditioningAntimicrobial
Benefits
- ✓Provides fresh citrus fragrance character to formulations
- ✓Cold-pressed form contains limonene and other monoterpenes with mild antimicrobial properties
- ✓Antioxidant minor components from peel
Watch for
- ⚠Cold-pressed (expressed) form contains furanocoumarins (including bergapten) that are phototoxic — can cause phytophotodermatitis when applied before UV exposure
- ⚠IFRA guideline: leave-on products must keep bergapten below 15 ppm; maximum ~0.7% cold-pressed oil in leave-on use
- ⚠Steam-distilled lime oil is not phototoxic but should still be patch-tested for fragrance allergen sensitivity
- ⚠Contains limonene and linalool — EU-listed fragrance allergens; must be declared on label if above threshold
