Lemon Silician Essential Oil

Aromatherapy: The uplifting and invigorating scent of Lemon Sicilian oil makes it a popular choice in aromatherapy. Diffusing the oil can help create a fresh and positive atmosphere, promoting mental clarity and reducing stress.

Cleaning: Lemon Sicilian oil is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties. It is often added to homemade cleaning solutions to provide a fresh and citrusy fragrance while effectively disinfecting surfaces.

Skincare: Due to its astringent and cleansing properties, Lemon Sicilian oil is used in skincare products. It can be diluted and applied topically to help with oily skin, acne, and to promote a clear complexion.

Hair Care: Adding a few drops of Lemon Sicilian oil to your shampoo or conditioner can contribute to a refreshing and clean scent. It may also assist in addressing dandruff issues and promoting a healthy scalp.

Mood Enhancement: Inhaling the aroma of Lemon Sicilian oil is believed by some to enhance mood and promote feelings of positivity and energy.

Laundry: Add a few drops of Lemon Sicilian oil to your laundry detergent or dryer balls to impart a fresh and clean scent to your clothes.

Recommended Dilution: Lemon essential oil should be used at a concentration of 1% to 2% in most formulations to avoid skin irritation, especially in leave-on products like creams or serums.

Carrier Oils: Always dilute lemon essential oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, or coconut oil before applying to the skin.

Phototoxicity: Cold-Pressed Lemon Oil: Lemon essential oil extracted via cold pressing contains furanocoumarins, which are phototoxic. Avoid sun exposure after applying it to the skin, or use in products that will not be exposed to sunlight (e.g., nighttime skincare or rinse-off products).

Steam-Distilled Lemon Oil: If you want to avoid phototoxicity, consider using steam-distilled lemon essential oil, which has similar benefits but without the risk of photosensitivity.

Antioxidant Benefits: Limonene Content: Lemon essential oil is rich in limonene (around 65% – 75%), making it an excellent antioxidant. It can help in anti-aging formulations by combating free radicals.

Enhancing Shelf Life: The antioxidant properties of lemon oil can enhance the shelf life of some formulations, but the oil itself is prone to oxidation, so add a natural antioxidant like vitamin E to your formulation to prevent rancidity.

Citrus Scent: Lemon oil provides a bright, fresh citrus scent, making it ideal for perfumes, soaps, and natural cleaning products. Keep in mind that its aroma can fade over time, so blending it with longer-lasting essential oils (like frankincense or lavender) can help maintain the fragrance.

Layering Scents: Pair with other citrus oils like lime, orange, or bergamot for a vibrant blend, or with florals like jasmine for a balanced fragrance.

Stability: Lemon essential oil is acidic, which can affect the pH of certain formulations. Be sure to test and adjust the final product's pH, especially in leave-on skincare products.

Prone to Oxidation: Lemon essential oil can oxidize quickly, especially when exposed to air and light. Store it in dark, airtight glass containers in a cool place. Add antioxidants like rosemary extract or vitamin E to extend its shelf life.

Short Shelf Life: Use lemon essential oil within 6 to 12 months of purchase, as it becomes less effective and potentially irritating as it oxidizes.

Blends Well With: Lemon oil blends well with other citrus oils, mint (like peppermint), herbs (like rosemary), and florals (like lavender), making it versatile in formulations for aromatherapy, skincare, and haircare.

Avoid Mixing with Acid-Sensitive Ingredients: Be cautious when using lemon oil with acid-sensitive ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), as it may destabilize the formula.

INCI Name: Citrus limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus limon

Extraction Method: Cold-pressed from the peel of the fruit

Part Used: Fruit peel

Origin: Sicily, Italy (Sicilian lemon oil is prized for its superior quality and aroma)

Appearance: Clear, pale yellow to yellow-green liquid

Odour: Fresh, vibrant citrus scent with a slight sweetness

Specific Gravity: 0.848 – 0.856 (20°C)

Refractive Index: 1.472 – 1.476 (20°C)

Optical Rotation: +57° to +68° (indicating the oil’s purity and natural source)

Shelf Life: 6–12 months when stored properly in a cool, dark place

Chemical Composition:

Limonene: 60% – 70% (main component, known for its uplifting scent, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties)

β-Pinene: 5% – 15% (contributes to the oil’s fresh, piney note and antimicrobial activity)

γ-Terpinene: 8% – 10% (offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties)

Citral (Neral and Geranial): 1% – 5% (responsible for the lemon’s characteristic scent, with antifungal and antibacterial properties)

α-Pinene: 0.5% – 2% (adds to the fresh, crisp aroma)

Sabinene: 0.5% – 2% (enhances the fresh and citrusy aroma)

Terpinen-4-ol: Trace amounts (has antiseptic and antibacterial effects)

Typical Specifications:

Acid Value: ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g (low values indicate good quality and purity)

Peroxide Value: ≤ 10 meq O₂/kg (indicator of freshness; lower values suggest a fresher oil)

Flash Point: 46°C (115°F) (indicating the temperature at which the oil may vaporize and ignite)

Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water

Safety Considerations:

Phototoxicity: Sicilian lemon essential oil is phototoxic when applied to the skin and exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays. Use it in leave-on skin products with caution and avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after application.

Dilution: Always dilute to 1% – 2% in a carrier oil or skincare product before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.

Oxidation: Lemon oil can oxidize quickly, which can lead to skin irritation and reduced effectiveness. Store in a tightly sealed, dark glass bottle to slow down oxidation.