Ingredient decoder

Bergamot oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Citrus oil for scent, can cause sun-triggered dark patches.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming

Bergamot oil in plain English

Bergamot oil is pressed from bergamot orange peel and gives the classic Earl Grey citrus scent. Unless labeled bergaptene-free, it can make skin react to sunlight and leave dark patches. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. Since acne-prone skin already deals with dark marks after breakouts, leave-on bergamot oil is worth avoiding.

Is bergamot oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Bergamot oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
  • Bergamot essential oil
  • Citrus bergamia fruit oil
  • Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
  • Citrus bergamia peel oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is bergamot oil comedogenic?

Bergamot oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does bergamot oil do in skincare?

In short: citrus oil for scent, can cause sun-triggered dark patches. In formulas it is used for masking and perfuming.

What else is bergamot oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, bergamot oil can also appear as Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Bergamot essential oil, Citrus bergamia fruit oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil or Citrus bergamia peel oil.

Sources