Bergamot Essential Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about bergamot essential oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses bergamot essential oil mainly as a fragrance ingredient. Some studies on this page tested it in animals, in the lab, by inhalation (aromatherapy), or for medical conditions. FDA treats claims that a product relieves anxiety or stress-related conditions, helps you sleep, eases pain, or treats any condition as drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

Grade matters: ORY^® uses bergapten-free (FCF) bergamot in leave-on products. Expressed bergamot is used in rinse-off products and soap, or in leave-on products only at levels that keep bergapten at or below 15 ppm.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Essential oils in cosmetics are regulated as fragrance ingredients. Industry safety limits are set by IFRA Standards, based on safety assessments by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that citrus peel oils are safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) bergapten and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
    • What it shows: RIFM safety evaluation criteria.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA Standards.
  • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Citrus-derived peel oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 33S–59S (safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% [15 ppm] 5-methoxypsoralen [bergapten] and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819862504
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented in reviews. Bergapten is what makes expressed bergamot phototoxic.

Citations:

• • Dosoky, N. S., & Setzer, W. N. (2018). Biological activities and safety of Citrus spp. essential oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1966. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071966
    • What it shows: Review of citrus oils.
  • Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: From basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036
    • What it shows: Review of bergamot oil.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Expressed bergamot can cause phototoxic burns and pigmentation on sun-exposed skin, so ORY^® uses FCF bergamot in leave-on products. Limonene and linalool can oxidize into allergens.

Citations:

• • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Citrus-derived peel oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 33S–59S (safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% [15 ppm] 5-methoxypsoralen [bergapten] and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819862504
    • What it shows: Bergapten limit.
  • Dosoky, N. S., & Setzer, W. N. (2018). Biological activities and safety of Citrus spp. essential oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1966. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071966
    • What it shows: Phototoxicity.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no studies of bergamot oil on hair. This is a fragrance use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe antimicrobial activity in the lab and studies of bergamot aroma and stress; those are not cosmetic claims. Claims about mood, stress, or sleep are drug claims under FDA rules, so ORY^® describes only the scent.

Citations:

• • Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: From basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036
    • What it shows: Review of bergamot research.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
    • What it shows: FDA on aromatherapy claims.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. FCF grade in leave-on products; expressed oil in rinse-off products and soap.

Citations:

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA category limits.
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal limits reference.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Scent and tradition are well documented; health benefits are not established for cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Phototoxicity. Expressed oil can burn sun-exposed skin.
  • Grade confusion. FCF and expressed grades must be labeled clearly.
  • Fades in soap.
  • Fragrance allergens. Limonene and linalool must be declared on EU labels above set levels; FDA’s U.S. allergen-labeling rule is not yet final.
  • Oxidation. Old oils are more likely to cause allergy.

Citations:

• • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
    • What it shows: EU allergen labeling.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
    • What it shows: U.S. MoCRA status.
  • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Citrus-derived peel oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 33S–59S (safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% [15 ppm] 5-methoxypsoralen [bergapten] and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819862504
    • What it shows: Bergapten limit.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Never apply essential oils undiluted; ORY^® always dilutes them in a carrier or product base.
  • Keep away from the eyes, children, and pets; many essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Store tightly closed away from heat and light. Oxidized (old) oils are more likely to cause allergy.
  • If you have a known fragrance allergy, check the ingredient list before use.
  • After using any leave-on product with expressed bergamot, avoid sun exposure on that skin for 12–24 hours.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal safety reference.
  • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Citrus-derived peel oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 33S–59S (safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% [15 ppm] 5-methoxypsoralen [bergapten] and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819862504
    • What it shows: Bergapten limit.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
  • Burnett, C. L., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Citrus-derived peel oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(2 Suppl), 33S–59S (safe when leave-on products contain no more than 0.0015% [15 ppm] 5-methoxypsoralen [bergapten] and are formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819862504
  • Dosoky, N. S., & Setzer, W. N. (2018). Biological activities and safety of Citrus spp. essential oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1966. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071966
  • Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: From basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414

Government and regulatory sources

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20