murphyCitrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) peel extract
AKA: Bitter Orange Peel Extract
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Extract
Not Clean
OriginMediterranean
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Extract is a cosmetic ingredient used as masking, refreshing, skin conditioning. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Plant Part
Peel
Lifeform
Shrub or tree
Climate
Subtropical
CAS #
68916-04-1 / 72968-50-4
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Masking
Refreshing
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Masks Odor
Refreshes Skin
Conditions Skin
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Wound Healing
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Animal test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 712)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 712)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating (CIR 712)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed (CIR 712)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00002–0.018%
Rinse-off0.0000016–0.05%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR