EWG Safety Score
What Is Lemon Oil?
Lemon oil is a commonly used citrus-based volatile oil that can be a skin sensitizer, especially on abraded skin. It can come from the peel, leaf, stem, seed and fruit of the Citrus limon or Citrus medica limonum plant.\n\nLemon oil has limited research proving any benefits for skin. As with many volatile fragrant oils, lemon oil has antioxidant components that can be beneficial, but there’s no valid reason to tolerate the bad to get the good; there are plenty of plant ingredients chockful of antioxidants but void of irritants.\n\nLemon oil contains numerous fragrance chemicals that can cause a reaction when on skin that’s subsequently exposed to sunlight. Examples of the fragrance chemicals in lemon oil include limonene, bergapten and oxypeucedanin.\n\nThe amount of lemon oil in cosmetics varies but based on published studies. We don’t consider any amount of this citrus oil to be safe for use on skin.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
Antioxidants, December 2022, pages 1–45 [URL NOT FOUND] Antioxidants, 2022
-
Food Science and Human Wellness, July 2022, pages 753-764 [URL NOT FOUND] Food Science and Human Wellness, 2022
-
International Journal of Toxicology, December 2021, pages 5S-38S [URL NOT FOUND] International Journal of Toxicology, 2021
-
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2013, pages 1-9 [URL NOT FOUND] European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2013
-
Toxicology In Vitro, 2010, issue 8, 2084-2089 [URL NOT FOUND] Toxicology In Vitro, 2010
-
Acta Dermato Venereological, 2007, issue 4, pages 312-316 [URL NOT FOUND] Acta Dermato Venereological, 2007
-
Archives of Dermatological Research, 1985, issue 1, pages 31-36 [URL NOT FOUND] Archives of Dermatological Research, 1985
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizRelated Ingredients
Colloidal Sulfur
Nano-sized form of sulfur
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Fragrant plant oil Contains active constituents from leaves and oil
Hedera Helix Extract
Commonly known as English ivy extract
Menthol
Cooling compound for refreshing sensory experience
Menthyl Lactate
Gentle cooling agent without irritation
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.