Related Essential Oils
Orange trees are a source of various essential oils. The bitter orange tree, for instance, produces petitgrain essential oil. While neroli oil is extracted from the flowers, petitgrain oil comes from the leaves and young twigs. Petitgrain has a distinct woody aroma compared to neroli. Another related cultivar is the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). The peel of the bergamot orange fruit is used to make bergamot essential oil, which flavors Earl Grey tea, Turkish delight, and marmalade. Orange oil, extracted from the peel of the sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis), is commonly used in beauty products, cleaners, and flavorings.
Uses of Neroli Oil
Neroli Oil in Beauty Products
Neroli essential oil is highly valued for its fragrance and is a staple in perfumery. Many people use the term “cologne” generically, but Eau de Cologne is a specific fragrance formula that includes neroli, along with bergamot, lavender, lemon, and rosemary. Properly used, neroli oil is non-toxic, non-irritating, and safe for sensitive skin. It moisturizes dry skin and can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Additionally, neroli oil can be blended with other essential oils to alleviate itchiness and irritation associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Therapeutic Applications
Neroli oil offers benefits beyond its pleasant scent and skin health support. It has strong antimicrobial properties and can aid digestion, relieving bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Neroli oil also promotes normal sleep. Its relaxing properties make it a popular choice in aromatherapy, which has scientifically proven benefits for stress management. Inhaling a blend that includes neroli can significantly reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, and improve mood. Due to its mild sedative effects, neroli is also used as a relaxing massage oil.
Neroli oil can positively impact women’s health by reducing labor anxiety and alleviating menopausal symptoms such as stress, high blood pressure, and low sexual desire. It may also support the endocrine system.
Chemical Composition of Neroli Oil
Neroli oil contains over thirty distinct compounds, including nerolidol, alpha-terpineol, alpha-terpinyl acetate, and farnesol. The most abundant compound, limonene, is used to treat heartburn and acid reflux. Limonene, alpha-terpineol, and farnesol have also been studied for their potential anticarcinogenic effects.
Neroli Oil Blends
Many essential oils need to be diluted before use on the skin, and neroli oil is no exception, though not because it’s unsafe, but because it’s expensive. Pure neroli oil can cost up to $100 per ounce. Be cautious of retailers offering it at significantly lower prices, as it may be a fake or a blend. Blends are acceptable as long as they are not misrepresented as pure neroli oil. Always check ingredient labels and reviews before purchasing.
The high cost of neroli oil is due to its production process, which requires one ton of bitter orange blossoms to produce one quart of oil. Fortunately, a small amount of neroli oil goes a long way and blends well with other essential oils such as benzoin, geranium, lavender, jasmine, and rosemary oils, as well as other citrus oils.
Due to its numerous benefits for beauty and health, and its compatibility with other essential oils, Global Healing includes neroli oil in several products. “Glow” is a refreshing body and face mist that combines neroli oil, oxygen, and other natural aromatherapeutic ingredients to promote radiant skin. “Luminous,” our top-of-the-line organic skincare product, combines neroli oil with natural antioxidants, moisturizers, and botanicals to encourage fresh, healthy-looking skin.
