Organic Lemon Essential Oil

The sourness of lemon belongs to the juice, not the oil. Lemon essential oil is pressed from the peel, and most of it is limonene, which on its own smells only faintly of lemon. The recognisable note comes from citral, present in small proportion.

01 · Origin

Citrus limon is a small tree of the rue family, Rutaceae, of Asian origin and long cultivated around the Mediterranean. Southern Italy has a long history of citrus peel oil production. This oil is expressed in Italy from the rind of certified organic lemons.

02 · Chemistry

Limonene dominates, with beta-pinene and gamma-terpinene following. Cold pressing carries furocoumarins over from the peel, so leave-on skin preparations call for care with sun exposure after application. Bergamot Furocoumarin-Free (No. 1176) shows the alternative approach in another citrus.

03 · In Practice

Sharp, fresh and clean, with a bright zest top and little tenacity. A top note. Diffusion, room sprays, bath preparations, massage blends and natural perfumery, where it opens colognes and citrus accords. Peel oils oxidise once opened and keep best closed and cool. Blends with lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, frankincense, neroli and ylang ylang.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.