Limonene

Limonene is a volatile monoterpene commonly sourced from citrus peels and used as a fragrance component in personal care products. It provides a fresh citrus note, but upon oxidation it can increase irritation and allergy potential, limiting suitability.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A citrus fragrance ingredient that can irritate skin once oxidized.
Category
Fragrance
Type
Fragrance

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Poor

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Adds a bright, citrusy scent that improves sensorial appeal, but oxidation can increase sensitization risk for some users.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in perfumes, body washes, shampoos, and fragranced creams as a scent component at low levels.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Recognized irritation and sensitization potential, especially when oxidized; limiting air exposure helps reduce risk. In the EU/UK, it must be listed above 0.001% in leave-ons and 0.01% in rinse-offs. Sensitive users should patch test or avoid.

Is Limonene a Good Ingredient?

Rated Poor because it contributes scent without any meaningful skin benefit, and its oxidized forms are known sensitizers that raise irritation and allergy risk, a safety concern that outweighs its purely cosmetic role.

Products with Limonene

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