What is "Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil" and what is its utility?

The Citrus reticulata Blanco , or mandarin tree, is a tree belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is a non-hybrid variety originating from China, cultivated for millennia for its fruits. The mandarin owes its name to its color, reminiscent of the silk robes of the mandarins, the high officials of the Chinese Empire. The mandarin tree did not arrive in Europe, particularly in Provence, until around 1800, four hundred years after the orange, thanks to the Portuguese. It is now widely cultivated in the warm and sunny areas of the planet, especially around the Mediterranean (Algeria, Morocco, Spain, etc...).

Unlike many essential oils that are obtained through hydrodistillation, mandarin essence is extracted by first cold pressing of the pericarps of fresh fruits (zests). This process allows the preservation of the fruit's constituents, namely terpenes, such as limonene, the gamma-terpinene, and linalool, aldehydes, including citronellal, citral, and decanal, flavonoids, and esters.

There are different essential oils of mandarin: green, yellow, or red. Contrary to what we might think, these are not three different species of mandarin. There is only one, the Citrus reticulata Blanco. The difference lies in the degree of fruit maturity at the time of essential oil extraction and therefore the harvest period. Indeed, during the fall, the mandarin is rich in chlorophyll, its pericarp is then green. As winter approaches, the chlorophyll gradually disappears and the mandarin takes on an orange color, passing through yellow. They all have the same properties and uses ; the difference is in their color, but also in their scent : the yellow mandarin has a softer, sweeter smell, while the green mandarin is more tart.

When applied topically, mandarin essential oil is recognized for its properties purifying. By balancing sebum production, it prevents the appearance of skin imperfections, including blackheads and acne pimples. The presence of monoterpenes also makes it an active ingredient against inflammation, which helps to soothe redness and tightness.

When applied to hair, "Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil" is used to "detoxify" the hair. Once purified, the hair fibers regain their flexibility and shine. It also soothes irritated scalps prone to itching.

Furthermore, mandarin essential oil serves as a fragrance agent in numerous formulations. It is particularly used to mask the odors of certain unpleasant active ingredients, or simply, to provide a touch of freshness to the formulas.