Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil

Also known as neroli oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil is an essential oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree.

The ingredient with a similar name, orange blossom essential oil, differs from neroli oil in the extraction process: neroli oil is steam distilled, while orange blossom oil is extracted by a difficult and expensive process known as enfleurage. They have slightly different smells, mainly because orange blossom oil is not exposed to as much heat during the extraction process.

Neroli oil is comprised of many volatile compounds. Limonene and linalool are the main components, followed by nerolidol and alpha-terpineol. The exact composition varies from tree to tree, and due to the weather and climate.

It is used as a fragrance in cosmetic products and very often used in perfumes.

Those who are sensitive to citrus fruits should be careful with this ingredient, as it may cause a sun-induced skin rash.