Limonene In Skin Care
Limonene is a common ingredient used as a fragrance in many skin care and personal care products. While it is derived from natural sources like citrus oils, limonene is not necessarily a skin-friendly ingredient for everyone. In fact, many people are allergic to it and many people with eczema need to avoid it.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what limonene is, the effects it can have on your skin, and how to find products that don’t contain it.
Limonene is a compound derived from citrus fruit used as a fragrance
Many people are allergic to limonene
"Fragrance-free" on ingredient labels does not always mean it does not have limonene
What Is Limonene?
Limonene is a naturally occurring compound found in the peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Scientifically, it is classified as a monoterpene – a type of molecule made up of two units of isoprene, which gives it a strong citrus aroma. In skin care products, limonene is often used as a fragrance ingredient because of its refreshing scent.
Despite being a naturally-derived ingredient, limonene is a known skin sensitizer, meaning it can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in people with eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
Limonene on Product Labels
You’ll typically find limonene listed in ingredient lists under names like D-limonene (the most common form), linalool, or fragrance mix 1.
Even if a product is labelled "unscented' or "fragrance-free", they may contain limonene. It may appear in products marketed as “citrus-scented” or “naturally fragranced.”
It may also be included in products marked as "unscented" or "fragrance-free".
This occurs for several reasons:
1. It may be used as a "preservative' rather than a fragrance.
2. It may be in another ingredients such as an essential oil or botanical extract.
One tricky thing about identifying this compound is that it’s not always listed explicitly on product labels. In the US, manufacturers are allowed to include limonene as part of a broader “fragrance” or “fragrance mix” label without naming it directly. This makes it difficult to avoid if you’re trying to steer clear of potentially irritating ingredients.
In contrast, the European Union (EU) has stricter labeling laws. If a product contains limonene at concentrations over 0.01% in rinse-off products or 0.001% in leave-on products, it must be explicitly listed on the ingredient label. However, in the US, there’s no such requirement, so it can be nearly impossible to tell if a particular “fragrance mix” contains this compound.
If you have started using a new product that contains fragrance and are having an adverse skin reaction, stop using that product and see if your skin gets better.
If you have an allergy to this ingredient, I suggest you contact the manufacturer to ensure the product is limonene free.
Citrus Extracts With Limonene
These citrus extracts may have limonene:
- Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Lemon (Citrus limon)
- Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
- Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)
- Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
- Yuzu (Citrus junos)
Botanical Extracts With Limonene
Limonene concentrations are highest in essential oils derived from plants, particularly citrus oils. However, plant-based extracts (water-based or oil-based) may still contain trace amounts of this compound, depending on the extraction method.
These botanical extracts may have small amounts of limonene:
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Pine (Pinus species)
- Juniper (Juniperus species)
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus species)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Downsides, Risks, and Side Effects
Limonene is safe to use if you are not allergic to it.
People with hyperallergic skin and conditions like eczema are more likely to be allergic to limonene. If you notice that your skin reacts badly to products with this ingredient, you should avoid limonene in skin care and personal care products.
If you have not noticed a problem, you do nto need to avoid it.
Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions
Limonene has been shown to cause skin sensitivity in allergic skin types. This is more common in people with conditions like eczema, where the skin barrier is already compromised (3). When applied to sensitive or damaged skin, this ingredient can trigger redness, irritation, and itching.
However, most people with eczema tolerate limonene without any problems. You can get patch tested to see if you are allergic to it. It is in the patch test known as "Fragrance Mix 1".
If you have a skin reaction to a product with this ingredient, you need to realize that It may not be limonene that is causing your allergic reaction.
To find a list of ingredients that cause a skin allergy- click here. It may not be limonene causing your skin allergy.
Enhanced Ingredient Absorption
Another concern with limonene is that it can increase the penetration of other ingredients into the skin (4). While this might sound like a good thing, it can be harmful if those other ingredients are also irritating. For example, pairing this ingredient with alcohol-based preservatives or active ingredients like retinoids may worsen skin irritation or increase retinoid dermatitis.
Are There Any Benefits to Limonene in Skin Care?
This compound does have antioxidant properties, which means that it can help to neutralize free radicals. However, this benefit is often short-lived because limonene is highly volatile when exposed to air and light (5). Once it oxidizes, its antioxidant effects are essentially negated, and the compound becomes more likely to irritate the skin.
This is particularly problematic for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, as the irritation caused by oxidized limonene can trigger an inflammatory response. Instead of protecting the skin, this inflammation can worsen skin sensitivity and even increase free radical production, undoing any potential benefits.
Limonene-Free Skin Care
If you have a limonene allergy, these moisturizers are limonene-free.
Bottom Line
Limonene is a citrus-derived ingredient often used as a fragrance in skin care products. It is a known allergen and should be avoided if you have sensitivity to it. Because this ingredient isn’t necessarily always listed explicitly on labels, always confirm with the skin care brand or come ask me on Reddit if the product contains this compound.
To find the best products for your unique skin needs, take the Skin Type Quiz to find out which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are. From there, we can help you create a customized skin care regimen that won’t cause irritation or other unwanted side effects.
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
Is limonene safe in skin care?
Limonene is classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. However, it’s also a known skin sensitizer and can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.
Is limonene a natural ingredient?
Yes, limonene is a natural ingredient. However, not all naturally-derived ingredients are necessarily good for your skin. This is an example of a natural ingredient that may do more harm than good for your skin.
What types of products commonly contain limonene?
Limonene is commonly found in fragranced skin care products like moisturizers, cleansers, and body lotions, as well as in shampoos, soaps, and citrus-scented items. It can also appear in household products like candles, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies.
Which moisturizers are limonene-free?
Zerafite Wrinkle Defense and Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream, and Derma Made Ceramide Barrier Cream and the VMV Hypoallergenics products are limonene-free.
Best References and Scientific Publications on Limonene:
- Weisberg, E., Baumann L. Fragrance in Ch. 42 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Ch.4 Marketing Claims in Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
- Kim YW, Kim MJ, Chung BY, Bang du Y, Lim SK, Choi SM, Lim DS, Cho MC, Yoon K, Kim HS, Kim KB, Kim YS, Kwack SJ, Lee BM. Safety evaluation and risk assessment of d-Limonene. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2013;16(1):17-38. doi: 10.1080/10937404.2013.769418. PMID: 23573938.
- Priborský J, Takayama K, Obata Y, Príborská Z, Nagai T. Influence of limonene and laurocapram on percutaneous absorption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Arzneimittelforschung. 1992 Feb;42(2):116-9. PMID: 1610418.
- González-Mas MC, Rambla JL, López-Gresa MP, Blázquez MA, Granell A. Volatile Compounds in Citrus Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Review. Front Plant Sci. 2019 Feb 5;10:12. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00012. PMID: 30804951; PMCID: PMC6370709.
- Espina, L., Gelaw, T. K., de Lamo-Castellví, S., Pagán, R., & García-Gonzalo, D. (2013). Mechanism of bacterial inactivation by (+)-limonene and its potential use in food preservation combined processes. PloS one, 8(2), e56769.
- Ravichandran, C., Badgujar, P. C., Gundev, P., & Upadhyay, A. (2018). Review of toxicological assessment of d-limonene, a food and cosmetics additive. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 120, 668-680.
- Leong, E. J., Tan, L. F., Yap, V. L., Rajagopal, M., & Chandran, R. (2024). Cosmetological applications of Citrus limon: A mini-review. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR)[Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)], 15(2), 286-293.
- Kunicka‐Styczyńska, A., Sikora, M., & Kalemba, D. (2009). Antimicrobial activity of lavender, tea tree and lemon oils in cosmetic preservative systems. Journal of applied microbiology, 107(6), 1903-1911.
- Guzmán, E., & Lucia, A. (2021). Essential oils and their individual components in cosmetic products. Cosmetics, 8(4), 114.
- Pesonen, M., Suomela, S., Kuuliala, O., Henriks‐Eckerman, M. L., & Aalto‐Korte, K. (2014). Occupational contact dermatitis caused by D‐limonene. Contact Dermatitis, 71(5), 273-279.
- Karlberg, A. T., & Dooms‐Goossens, A. (1997). Contact allergy to oxidized d‐limonene among dermatitis patients. Contact Dermatitis, 36(4), 201-206.
- Dendooven, E., Foubert, K., Naessens, T., Pieters, L., Lambert, J., Goossens, A., & Aerts, O. (2022). Allergic contact dermatitis from (“hypoallergenic”) adhesives containing D‐limonene. Contact Dermatitis, 86(2), 113-119.
- Nath, N. S., Liu, B., Green, C., & Atwater, A. R. (2017). Contact allergy to hydroperoxides of linalool and D-limonene in a US population. Dermatitis, 28(5), 313-316.
