murphyCitrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) leaf/twig oil
AKA: Bitter Orange Leaf/Twig Oil
Plant-Derived
Not Clean
OriginNative to Mediterranean. Derived from the leaves and twigs of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium amara), a citrus plant native to the Mediterranean region. Extracted through steam distillation of the plant material to obtain the volatile essential oil.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil is a cosmetic ingredient used as flavouring, masking. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Plant Part
Leaf
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
Flavouring
Masking
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Wound Healing
Adds pleasant taste
Provides scent
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Animal test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 711)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 711)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 711)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2021
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR