Ingredient decoder

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

INCI name: Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Citrus peel oil for scent, can irritate and raise sun sensitivity.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming
  • Skin conditioning

Lemon oil in plain English

Lemon oil is pressed from lemon peel and adds a bright citrus scent. It is mostly limonene, and cold-pressed lemon oil can also make skin more reactive to sunlight. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. Irritation and sun sensitivity can both leave dark marks after breakouts, so acne-prone skin is better off skipping it in leave-on products.

Is lemon oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Lemon 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 Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
  • Lemon peel oil
  • Lemon essential oil
  • Citrus limon peel oil
  • Citrus medica limonum peel oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is lemon oil comedogenic?

Lemon 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 lemon oil do in skincare?

In short: citrus peel oil for scent, can irritate and raise sun sensitivity. In formulas it is used for masking, perfuming and skin conditioning.

What else is lemon oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, lemon oil can also appear as Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lemon peel oil, Lemon essential oil, Citrus limon peel oil or Citrus medica limonum peel oil.

Sources