Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil

Citrus aurantium amara peel oil is an essential oil obtained from the peels (or rinds) of bitter orange fruits.

The bitter oranges are not used for food production (as the name may suggest) but rather cultivated for their thick rinds, which are full of essential oil and other compounds. The rind extract is often used as a flavoring ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations (such as syrups and drops).

The bitter orange essential oil is almost exclusively made up of limonene (up to 96%). Linalool and myrcene are other compounds that may be present in very small amounts.

The sweet, fresh, citrusy smell is the reason for its frequent use as a fragrance in skincare products. People sensitive to citrus fruits, however, should be careful with this ingredient, as it may cause a sun-induced skin rash.