Bergamot FCF, Essential Oil, 10 ml

Bergamot FCF essential oil gives cosmetics a fresh citrus scent you know from Earl Grey tea. It is obtained from the fruits of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The abbreviation FCF (furocoumarin free) means that furanocoumarins have been removed from the oil, making it suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products, from face creams and deodorants to soaps and candles.

The oil is volatile. This should be taken into account when selecting the processing temperature and the packaging for the finished product, otherwise the scent will fade over time.

Key benefits

• Skin application – removed furanocoumarins extend the use to leave-on products for the face, body, hands and lips.
• Refreshing and calming effect – used in facial cosmetics for oily and problematic skin, where its antimicrobial effect is also beneficial.
• Versatile fragrance ingredient – from perfumes and aftershaves through soaps and shampoos to laundry detergents, air fresheners and candles.
• Plant-based origin – natural oil from bergamot fruits, readily biodegradable.

Use in formulation

The oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol; it does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products, body oils, balms and massage blends it is mixed directly into the oil phase. Hydroalcoholic perfumes, colognes and aftershaves dissolve it without additional auxiliaries. In tonics, sprays and other water-based products without alcohol a solubiliser is required, otherwise the oil will separate on the surface.

In emulsions it is added during the cooling phase, when the mixture is below 40 °C, or worked into the finished base afterwards. At higher temperatures, some of the volatile fragrance components evaporate and the scent of the finished product is weaker.

The maximum dosage is not a single number. It is governed by IFRA limits for the specific product category: different limits apply to a lip balm, a deodorant, a body cream or a shower gel. The categories and corresponding limits are listed in the product parameters. Before designing a formula, check which category your product belongs to.

Suitable for products such as

• Skin care – creams, serums and tonics for oily and problematic skin, combining fragrance with a refreshing effect.
• Body cosmetics and deodorants – body oils, lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants.
• Soaps and rinse-off products – bar and liquid soaps, shower gels, shampoos and conditioners.
• Perfumes and aftershaves – dissolves directly in alcohol-based compositions.
• Household and textiles – laundry and cleaning products, air fresheners.
• Candles – all types, including container candles.

Good to know

Close the container immediately after use and fill finished products containing bergamot into well-sealing packaging. Test the scent intensity and longevity in a specific formula on a trial sample before larger production runs, especially for soaps and candles.

The product is subject to CLP Regulation and has been assigned a UFI number. For your own classification and labelling of finished mixtures, refer to its safety data sheet.

Frequently asked questions