murphyCitrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) flower oil
AKA: Bitter Orange Flower Oil
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginNative to Mediterranean. Sourced from bitter orange flowers (Citrus aurantium amara) in the Mediterranean region, belonging to the Rutaceae family. Extracted through steam distillation or expression of the flower blossoms to obtain the volatile oil.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil is a cosmetic ingredient used as masking, skin conditioning. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Plant Part
Flower
Lifeform
Shrub or tree
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
68916-04-1 / 72968-50-4
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Masking
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Wound Healing
Softens and smooths skin
Provides scent
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Animal test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 709)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 709)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00098–0.049%
Rinse-off0.001–0.019%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR