Bergamot Oil
Bergamot essential oil with high bergapten content. The most phototoxic of citrus oils: after application and sun exposure can cause persistent pigmented patches – berloque dermatitis.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Only the bergapten-free version (FCF) is acceptable in leave-on products. Regular bergamot oil on skin under sunlight is unsafe.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- High
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
About this ingredient
Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia Peel Oil) is a cold-pressed essential oil from the peel of Citrus bergamia. Produced in Calabria (Italy), used in perfumery (Earl Grey tea is flavoured with it), aromatherapy, and cosmetics. Mechanism and problem. Contains bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) – one of the strongest natural photosensitisers. Once applied and exposed to UVA, bergapten triggers a phototoxic reaction: erythema, painful blisters, and lasting drip-shaped hyperpigmentation – 'berloque dermatitis' (after a shower with bergamot perfume). Where applied. Perfumery, aromatherapy, sauna and bath products, niche natural cosmetics. In bergapten-free form (FCF – Furocoumarin-Free, bergamot with bergapten removed) – sunscreens and daily cosmetics. In Spain bergamot oil in cosmetics is rare; perfumery uses the FCF form as standard. Regulation. IFRA Code of Practice caps bergapten in leave-on products at 0.0015% (15 ppm). EU Cosmetics Regulation enforces the same limits. Unstandardised pure bergamot oil is not suitable for leave-on use. Safety. Phototoxicity is the main risk. Sensitisation reported in atopic dermatitis patients. Skin irritation possible at over 0.5% leave-on. Cross-allergy with other citrus oils. Pregnancy and lactation – not recommended. No direct teratogenicity data, but phototoxic risk and possible sensitisation are elevated in pregnancy. AEMPS and SEGO advise products without citrus essential oils or with the FCF form. Particularly suitable for. In FCF form – a fragrance ingredient for perfume compositions and aromatherapy. In unstandardised form – not for leave-on cosmetics, especially on face and neck, and not before sun exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bergamot Oil safe during pregnancy?
Bergamot Oil should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Bergamot Oil for?
Bergamot Oil suits: oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Can Bergamot Oil irritate the skin?
Yes, Bergamot Oil has high irritation potential. Start at low concentrations, introduce gradually, and always use SPF during the day.
Can Bergamot Oil cause an allergic reaction?
Bergamot Oil has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Bergamot Oil and what does it do in cosmetics?
Bergamot essential oil with high bergapten content.
What's the INCI name for Bergamot Oil?
The INCI name is Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil. It may also appear as: Bergamot Oil.
See Bergamot Oil in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
More ingredients in the database
Biotin, Bronopol, Butylparaben, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Hinoki Leaf Extract, Minoxidil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Published: · updated: