Snapshot
- Overview
- A citrusy essential oil used mainly to scent products, not treat skin.
- Category
- Fragrance
- Type
- Essential Oil
Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Oil
Litsea cubeba (May Chang) oil is a steam-distilled essential oil from the fruit of Litsea cubeba, notable for its bright, lemon-like aroma rich in citral. Cosmetics and personal care products use it as a natural fragrance and to refresh scent profiles.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Oil a Good Ingredient?
The bright citrus scent is a real plus, but its citral-rich composition raises irritation and sensitization risk, especially in leave-on use, and the benefits are mainly sensory, which caps it at Fair.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Delivers a bright, lemony scent that lifts the sensory experience of products, though it isn't proven to correct skin directly and may irritate sensitive skin.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Found in perfumes, body mists, wash-off cleansers, and shampoos to impart a crisp citrus aroma.
Before you use it
Safety
Can irritate skin and eyes and may trigger fragrance allergies due to citral; patch test and keep concentrations low, especially on the face. The EU requires citral to be labeled as a fragrance allergen above set thresholds.
Products with Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Oil
