What is Sweet Orange Essential Oil?
Sweet Orange Essential Oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the orange fruit, Citrus aurantium dulcis. It has a bright, sweet, instantly recognisable citrus aroma and is one of the gentlest of the citrus oils, which is why we use it so widely across our soap range.
You may also see it listed on our labels as Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, which is its INCI name.
Where do we source it from?
Our Sweet Orange Essential Oil is obtained by cold expression rather than distillation, meaning the oil is physically pressed from the peel without heat. This helps retain the fresh, true-to-fruit character of the scent.
Why we use Sweet Orange Essential Oil
A naturally uplifting scent
Sweet Orange is warm, cheerful and familiar. It blends beautifully with florals and woods, so we often pair it with Geranium and Palmarosa in our soaps.
Gentle on skin in soap
Used at the low levels found in a soap bar, and rinsed off rather than left on the skin, Sweet Orange is well tolerated by most people.
Naturally occurring components
Sweet Orange is naturally high in limonene. Because limonene is a recognised allergen, you will see it declared separately on our ingredients list with an asterisk, noting that it occurs naturally in the essential oil rather than being added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sweet Orange Essential Oil the same as Neroli?
No. Neroli is distilled from the blossom of the bitter orange tree, while Sweet Orange is pressed from the peel of the sweet orange fruit. They come from related plants but smell quite different.
Will citrus oil make my skin sensitive to sunlight?
Some cold-pressed citrus oils can be phototoxic. This is a consideration for leave-on products; in a wash-off soap, used at the levels we use, it is not a concern.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Most people find it perfectly comfortable, but if your skin is very reactive you may prefer our unscented Simply range, which contains no essential oils at all.
Does the scent last?
Citrus oils are naturally light and fade faster than heavier base notes, which is why we blend them with longer-lasting oils to help the scent hold.