Orange Bitter, Essential Oil, 100 ml

Bitter orange essential oil is added to cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient with a fruity, citrus fragrance. It is obtained by cold pressing the peel of the fruit of Citrus aurantium L., followed by filtration, without the use of solvents.

It is suitable wherever a product is meant to smell fresh and clean: in soaps, bath salts and bath bombs, body oils, shower gels, shampoos, candles and diffusers. The manufacturer attributes cleansing and refreshing properties to it, which can be used mainly in products for oilier skin and scalp. It dissolves in oils and alcohol but not in water, so in water-based products it is incorporated through the oil phase or with a solubiliser.

Key features

• Fragrance – fruity, citrus, typical of bitter orange peel. The oil is volatile; the fragrance develops immediately after application and fades over time, so in compositions it is complemented with longer-lasting notes.
• Refreshing and invigorating character – according to the manufacturer, it evokes a feeling of freshness and energy, which is why it is used in diffusers, bath blends and massage oils.
• Cooling sensation on the skin – the manufacturer states that after application it feels refreshing and cooling, which suits summer body products and aftershaves.
• Cleansing and antimicrobial effect – the manufacturer describes it as an ingredient that helps remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin and scalp. It is useful in rinse-off cleansing products and shampoos.
• Origin – a plant-based oil free of ingredients of animal origin, Vegan certified, mechanically pressed without the use of solvents.

Use in formulations

The oil is added only in the cooling phase, at a temperature below 40 °C, or is incorporated afterwards into the finished base. At higher temperatures the volatile components are lost and the fragrance weakens, so in emulsions it is added only after the emulsion has formed and cooled, with constant stirring. In anhydrous products such as body oils, balms and massage blends, it is mixed directly into the oil phase.

In water-based systems, for example toners, body sprays or bath waters, it does not dissolve on its own and would form droplets on the surface. Before adding it to water, mix it with a solubiliser (e.g. Polysorbate 20 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) and only then pour it into the water phase. Its good solubility in alcohol makes it suitable for hydroalcoholic perfumes, eaux de toilette and aftershaves.

The usage rate is governed by the current IFRA limits for the particular product category. The limits differ significantly between categories. One range applies to leave-on skin products, another to soaps and shampoos, and another to candles or air fresheners. The individual categories are listed in the product parameters.

The colour of the oil ranges from dark olive through brownish yellow to orange. For white or clear products, we recommend checking the effect on colour in a test batch.

Suitable for products such as

• Soaps, shower gels and shampoos – rinse-off products in which the citrus fragrance and cleansing character of the oil come into their own.
• Bath salts and bath bombs – the oil is pre-mixed with the salt or with the oil component of the recipe and gives the bath a fresh fragrance.
• Body and massage oils, balms – anhydrous systems in which it dissolves without additional auxiliary ingredients.
• Face and body emulsions – added to the cooled emulsion in an amount according to the IFRA limit for the given category.
• Perfumes and eaux de toilette – as a citrus note in alcohol-based compositions.
• Candles, diffusers and aromatherapy – for the refreshing and invigorating character of the fragrance.

Good to know

The oil is volatile, so close the container immediately after taking out the amount you need and add the oil to the product as one of the last ingredients. In soaps, bath bombs and candles, try a smaller amount and check how the fragrance holds in the finished product. The usage rate in products for children and in lip products has its own IFRA category with specific limits, so do not use the same amount as in a body oil for adults.

In water-based and emulsion products, the oil has no preservative function. The antimicrobial effect stated by the manufacturer relates to the properties of the oil, not to protection of the finished recipe, which is provided by a separate preservative.

Frequently asked questions