Citrus Aurantium

Bad

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

Citrus Aurantium at a glance

  • Also known as bitter orange
  • Contains antioxidant compounds
  • Source of neroli oil
  • Neroli oil is a potent skin sensitizer

Citrus Aurantium description

_Citrus aurantium_, also sometimes listed on skincare labels as _Citrus aurantium amara_, is the taxonomic name for a plant more commonly called the bitter orange that is native to Southeast Asia. When it comes to citrus in skincare, which part of the plant is used is important. While all parts of the bitter orange have skin-beneficial antioxidant compounds, certain extracts are harmful. This is especially true of the oil extracted from bitter orange flowers, known also as neroli oil. A potent fragrance ingredient, this oil can cause phototoxicity, where skin has an allergic response when it comes into contact with UV light. It also contains compounds, including linalool and limonene, that cause skin irritation. There are other, better plant extracts that don’t pose this risk of irritation, including non-fragrant plant oils such as grape and olive, that we recommend instead of the one from _Citrus aurantium_.

Citrus Aurantium references

  • Processes, January 2025, pages 1-34
  • International Journal of Food Properties, January 2023, pages 301-326
  • International Journal of Toxicology, December 2021, pages 53S-76S

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.