Lime Oil

Lime Oil is a natural essential oil obtained primarily through cold pressing (cold expression) of the fresh fruit peel of Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), belonging to the Rutaceae family. It possesses a distinctive fresh, green, sharp and refreshing citrus aroma that makes it particularly valuable in fragrance and personal-care formulations.

The oil contains d-Limonene as one of its principal constituents, together with other naturally occurring volatile compounds such as γ-Terpinene, β-Pinene, α-Pinene, Myrcene, Sabinene, Terpinolene and citral-related aldehydes, depending on the botanical variety, geographical origin, maturity and extraction method.

Lime Oil is primarily used in cosmetic formulations as a fragrance/perfuming ingredient, providing a fresh and vibrant citrus character. It is commonly incorporated into skin-care, hair-care, bath and body products, soaps, cleansers, deodorants and perfumes.

Quality is generally evaluated through organoleptic and physicochemical parameters and the characteristic volatile profile using GC-FID and/or GC-MS. Since essential oils are naturally variable materials, the actual constituent profile and marker levels should always be specified according to the particular commercial grade and its COA.

Expressed Lime Oil requires particular attention to phototoxicity, as certain expressed lime oils may contain naturally occurring furanocoumarins such as bergapten. The phototoxicity profile can vary substantially with the extraction process and the specific grade. For leave-on products that may be exposed to sunlight, the supplier's specification and applicable IFRA guidance should be checked before determining the usage level.

Lime Oil is also susceptible to oxidation, which can alter its aroma and increase the potential for skin sensitization. Appropriate storage and protection from air, heat and light are therefore important.