Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Extract

This plant extract comes from Citrus aurantium amara peel and contains aromatic constituents and flavonoids. It's added for a bright citrus note and light conditioning feel, though furocoumarins can raise UV sensitivity.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Bitter orange peel extract for scent; may raise sun sensitivity.
Category
Fragrance, Skin Conditioning
Type
Botanical Extract

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides a zesty, mood-lifting scent and can leave skin feeling soft to the touch; evidence for direct skincare effects is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in gels, moisturizers, and body washes to add a lively citrusy character; also appears in hair care and hand creams for a fresh impression.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

May cause irritation or sensitization, especially on reactive skin, and can increase sun sensitivity; patch testing and sun protection are advisable for leave-on use. Photosensitizing potential is linked to furocoumarins. Some standards (e.g., IFRA) set limits for furocoumarin-containing citrus materials in leave-on formulas.

Is Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Extract a Good Ingredient?

Adds pleasant citrus scent and a light conditioning feel, but evidence for meaningful skin benefits is limited; it carries a risk of irritation and UV-triggered photosensitization due to fragrance allergens and furocoumarins. That combination of thin evidence and irritation potential is why it rates Fair, not Good.

Products with Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Extract

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