Essential Oil – Lemon – .5 fl. oz.

Essential Oil - Lemon - .5 fl. oz.

Organic lemon essential oil is a top note cold-pressed from the fresh peels of Citrus x limon. Unlike distilled citrus oils, cold-pressed oils retain their color with lemon being a sunny yellow. Lemons are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and the Middle East nearly 2000 years ago and have become integral parts of cuisine all over the world. It can take roughly 100 lemons to produce 1 oz. of oil.

Lemon oil adds tart brightness to perfumes and is found in many cosmetic formulations such as lotions, shampoos, and massage oil. It can be used in cleansing or to balance oily skin. It is found in almost any household cleaning recipe like dish soap, laundry detergent, wood polish, and carpet fresheners.

Aroma

This aroma is sweet and zesty with tart, intense citrus notes like cutting into a fresh lemon.

Constituents

This oil contains Limonene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene as the main constituents.

Limonene is one of the major components of aromatics citrus and is also in orange, grapefruit, tangerine, and mandarin. β-Pinene is found in galbanum, Scotch pine, black spruce, and neroli. γ-Terpinene is also in tea tree, mandarin, lime, bergamot, sweet marjoram, and oregano.

Blending and Uses

Citrus oils are often used for cleaning around the house including sticky messes, mopping, and surface or all-purpose cleaner. Add to baking soda to use as a cleaning scrub. Combine with tea tree or thyme oils to add an herbal cleaning boost for laundry. The limonene in this oil is touted as the main citrus constituent giving it natural cleaning power against grease and oil.

Add lemon essential oil to liquid hand soap blends, sugar scrubs, and shampoo. It can be added to face washes for its cleansing and toning properties. Use it to create sunny scented lotions and creams.

This oil can be used in a multitude of diffuser blends to set any mood. Energize with peppermint and eucalyptus or cultivate a calmer atmosphere with lavender and frankincense. Lemon oil is uplifting with woody oils such as Douglas fir, cedarwood, or cypress. It complements all other citrus oils like tangerine, bergamot, and grapefruit. It is perfect for fresh summery perfume blends with geranium and sweet orange and combines well with heady florals like rose or ylang ylang.

Safety

This oil is phototoxic and can cause skin sensitization if oxidized. Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Keep away from children and pets.

Before using perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back. Apply a small quantity of diluted essential oil and cover with a bandage. If you experience any irritation use carrier oil or cream to further dilute the essential oil, and then wash with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours it is safe to use on your skin. Learn more about using essential oils here.