Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil is oil obtained from the peel of the bergamot orange. It is used to add a "fresh" and "fruity" scent to cosmetics.

The main aromatic compounds in this ingredient are limonene (~37%), linalyl acetate (~30%), and linalool (~8%). All of these compounds are EU fragrance allergens that can irritate sensitive skin.

Phototoxicity is a bigger issue here; cold-pressed bergamot peel oil naturally contains furanocoumarins that absorb UV-A and trigger a phototoxic reaction on skin. This can lead to redness, blistering, and/or hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed skin.

Due to this, this ingredient is capped at 0.4% in leave-on products applied to skin areas exposed to sunlight. Rinse-off products aren't restricted.

A furanocoumarin-free version made by distillation is widely used in modern cosmetics and avoids the photoxicity issue (but the fragrance-allergen content still remains).

Be sure to reach out to the brand if you have questions about their source of this ingredient.