Sweet Orange Essential Oil, 100 ml

Essential oil, orange

Orange essential oil gives products a fresh, sweet citrus scent and is also an active ingredient for oily and problem-prone skin. It is obtained by cold pressing the peel of sweet orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil Expressed) of South American origin, without solvents and without distillation.

In the formulation, it serves primarily as a fragrance ingredient. At the correct dosage, it supports the cleansing and refreshing effect of products for the face, body, hands, hair and scalp.

What it is suitable for

• Fragrance – a sweet, juicy citrus that has a refreshing effect on the skin. The manufacturer describes it as an uplifting scent suitable for aromatherapy and personal care.
• Cleansing – according to the manufacturer's data, it helps remove impurities and excess sebum from skin and hair, making it suitable for rinse-off cleansing products and shampoos.
• Antimicrobial action – used in cosmetics in products for skin prone to impurities. It does not replace a preservative; finished water-based products must be preserved in the usual way.
• Cooling sensation – the manufacturer indicates a cooling effect and soothing of irritated skin, for example in body products for after-sun use.
• Oily and problem-prone skin – added at low concentrations to facial toners, cleansing gels and masks for this skin type.

Use in formulation

The essential oil is not water-soluble; it dissolves in oils and in alcohol. In anhydrous products (body oils, balms, massage oils, butters) it is blended into the oil phase. In emulsions it is added during the cooling phase, when the temperature drops below 40 °C, because at higher temperatures the volatile fragrance components are lost. For toners, hydrolats, sprays and other water-based preparations, a solubiliser is required (such as Polysorbate 20 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil); otherwise the oil will separate to the surface.

The recommended dosage is 0.1 – 1 %, depending on the product type and the applicable IFRA limit for the given category. For facial and leave-on products, the lower end of the range is typically used; for rinse-off products, soaps and candles, the upper end, always within the limit for the specific category. The oil is compatible with acidic and neutral pH, alcohol and nonionic surfactants.

The citrus scent in the finished product is light and fades quickly. If it is to remain perceptible for longer, combining it with slower-evaporating fragrances helps.

Suitable for products such as

• Rinse-off products – shower gels, liquid and solid soaps, shampoos, cleansing gels and facial foams for oily skin.
• Body care – body oils, lotions, butters, balms, scrubs, massage oils.
• Facial toners and masks – with a solubiliser, at low dosage, for skin prone to impurities.
• Hair and scalp – shampoos, rinse-off conditioners, hair mists, scalp tonic.
• Fragrance products – candles, aroma lamps, room fragrance sprays, bath salts and bath bombs.

What is good to know

The oil is classified under CLP as a hazardous substance: it is flammable, irritant and sensitising, poses a health risk upon prolonged exposure and is harmful to aquatic organisms. Work with undiluted oil wearing gloves, away from heat sources and open flame; do not pour residues down the drain. When labelling the finished product, refer to the safety data sheet, which lists the components subject to labelling.

The oil has food-grade and cosmetic-grade quality and is readily biodegradable. It contains no palm oil, GMO-derived ingredients or animal raw materials, and the manufacturer has not tested it on animals.

Cold-pressed orange oil has an orange-red colour; at dosages up to 1 %, it will have virtually no visible effect in the finished product.

Frequently asked questions