Neroli Oil

Neroli oil is an essential oil distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange plant, _Citrus aurantium_, which is native to Southeast Asia. On cosmetics labels, it is most commonly listed as _Citrus aurantium amara_ (bitter orange) flower oil. This fragrant oil has been used for centuries in aromatherapy applications and has free-radical fighting properties thanks to its antioxidant compounds. Numerous studies also show it has antimicrobial effects. Unfortunately, neroli oil is a volatile oil with fragrance compounds, including linalool and limonene, that cause skin irritation. It can also cause phototoxicity, where skin has an allergic response when it comes into contact with UV light. Because of this, we recommend several other alternatives to neroli oil that have all the benefits, but none of the potential risks. A few good examples are pomegranate, grape seed, or mokate (kalahari melon) oil. Neroli oil has been ruled safe as used in cosmetics, where its maximum reported amount of use is 0.01%. In testing, this oil was demonstrated not to be sensitizing in amounts up to 0.0225%, which is why, if it is in a cosmetic formula, it is best that it is lower on the ingredients list. To avoid sensitization, do not apply pure neroli oil to skin.

Related ingredients: Linalool Limonene Citrus Aurantium Orange Blossom Neroli Citrus Aurantium Extract Bitter Orange Flower