Native to India, orange blossom comes from a tree called "bigaradier", cultivated in the Mediterranean basin and belonging to the Rutaceae family. Orange blossom is used in cosmetics in the form of hydrosol and essential oil. What are the undesirable effects of these two substances?
What Are the Side Effects of Orange Blossom?
Summary
Published on January 6, 2022, updated on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 3 min of reading
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Orange Blossom, What Are Its Uses in Cosmetic?
In skin and hair care, orange blossom can be used in the form of essential oil and hydrolate. The I.N.C.I. names differ, "Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water" for the hydrolat, "Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil" for the essential oil.
These two substances are nevertheless derived from the same manufacturing process, called hydrodistillation, or steam distillation. The white flowers of the bigaradier are first harvested and dried. Then they are mixed with water in a still, and the mixture is heated. The water vapor is cooled in a condenser and recovered in liquid form. On the surface floats the essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, which is none other than the hydrosol.
These two substances come from the same plant and have similar properties, but the hydrolat is less concentratedin active substances because the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities. Both extracts are used in skin care for their lightening and antioxidant properties. By fighting against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, they restore radiance to dull complexions and slow down the appearance of wrinkles. When applied to hair, they revitalize dehydrated and dry hair, moisturize hair fibers and bring shine.
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Orange Blossom Hydrolate: Contraindications and Side Effects.
Orange blossom hydrolate should have no contraindications. It could be used by pregnant and/or nursing women as well as the children. This natural substance is very well tolerated. It can be found in many care products for children.
Orange Blossom Essential Oil: Contraindications and Side Effects.
According to the 7th Amendment of the European Directive on cosmetic products (2003/15/EC)), the essential oil of orange blossom contains natural compounds that may present a risk of allergy to some sensitive people. Those ingredients are limonene, linalool, geraniol and farnesol. Given this, it is contraindicated in topical application during the first three months of pregnancy as well as in infants and children under six years.
Note: We advise you to always perform a skin tolerance test by applying a few drops of the essential oil in the elbow crease at least 48 hours before using it on the face.
Source :
FARAMARZI M. A. & al. GC/MS Analysis of Citrus aurantium L. hydrolate and its comparison with the commercial samples. International Journal of Production Research (2004).
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