essential oil

Citrus Oils

Evidencestrong · Tier 1Irritation riskModerateIn products558

Phototoxic — contain bergapten and other furanocoumarins that intercalate DNA and cause phototoxic burns on UV exposure. Also rich in limonene (90%+ in lemon oil) which oxidizes to sensitizing hydroperoxides. Cold-pressed citrus oils are more phototoxic than distilled.

The research

Citrus Oils is a essential oil backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 2 studies for it, 2 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 2 studies

Toxicology in Vitro · 2010 · in vitro

In vitro phototoxicity testing of essential oils intended for cosmetic use found several oils, including citrus oils, to be phototoxic under UVA exposure, supporting restriction of phototoxic citrus oils in leave-on products used before sun exposure.

Contact Dermatitis · 2009 · experimental · n=3000

Experimental study showing that air oxidation of fragrance terpenes (including limonene and linalool) increases their skin irritancy; oxidation products formed during storage are more reactive, supporting higher irritation/sensitization risk from aged citrus oils rich in limonene.

Products with Citrus Oils

In 558 products — most often serums (183), moisturizers (141), cleansers (87), from $3.50 to $361.95. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

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Tatcha

Tatcha

The Matcha Foam Pore-Refining & Oil-Balancing Prebiotic Gel Cleanser - 5.0 oz

Cleanser

$40.00147.9ml · $0.27/ml

★★★★★4.9(908)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

The Matcha Foam Pore-Refining & Oil-Balancing Prebiotic Gel Cleanser - 5.0 oz is a water cleanser by Tatcha. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lauryl Glucoside.

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Saturday Skin

Saturday Skin

Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel Exfoliator

Exfoliant

$19.6073.9ml · $0.27/ml

★★★★★4.9(790)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongUneven tone & radiance
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel Exfoliator is a exfoliant by Saturday Skin. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat.

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FARMACY

FARMACY

Mini Green Clean Cleansing Balm - Original

Cleanser

$18.0029.6ml · $0.61/ml

★★★★★4.8(5,317)

Not recommended for

Rosacea

Mini Green Clean Cleansing Balm - Original is a oil cleanser by FARMACY. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Citrus Oils, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

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ELEMIS

ELEMIS

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil (15ml)

Face Oil

$72.0015ml · $4.80/ml

★★★★★4.8(4,306)

Ideal for

  • RelevantDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil (15ml) is a face oil by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane.

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SkinMedica

SkinMedica

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.)

Exfoliant – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads

$48.00177.4ml · $0.27/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,084)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • ExcellentAcne & breakouts
  • ExcellentBlackheads
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosacea

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (6 fl. oz.) is a exfoliant by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract.

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Shiseido

Shiseido

Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

Serum

$89.0029.6ml · $3.01/ml

★★★★★4.9(490)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis

Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum is a brightening serum by Shiseido. Key ingredients include Alcohol Denat, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone.

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Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville

ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash - 4.0 oz

Cleanser

$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml

★★★★★4.8(6,208)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongUneven texture
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasis

ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash - 4.0 oz is a water cleanser by Kate Somerville. Key ingredients include Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid.

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Fresh

Fresh

Lotus AHA Resurfacing Gentle Serum

Exfoliant

$69.0029.6ml · $2.33/ml

★★★★★4.8(7,472)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantUneven texture
  • RelevantBlackheads
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis

Lotus AHA Resurfacing Gentle Serum is a exfoliant by Fresh. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Propanediol.

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Fresh

Fresh

Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz

Moisturizer

$59.0047.3ml · $1.25/ml

★★★★★4.8(5,796)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisRosacea

Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz is a antioxidant serum by Fresh. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol.

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Fresh

Fresh

Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream - 1.6 oz

Moisturizer

$62.0047.3ml · $1.31/ml

★★★★★4.8(2,056)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisRosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Lotus Youth Preserve Radiance Renewal Night Cream - 1.6 oz is a antioxidant serum by Fresh. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol.

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Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.