Ingredient decoder

Limonene: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Limonene

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

  • Deodorant
  • Perfuming
  • Solvent

Limonene in plain English

Limonene is the fresh citrus-scented compound found in orange, lemon and other citrus peels, used for scent and sometimes as a solvent. When it is exposed to air it oxidizes into compounds that are more likely to irritate or cause allergy. It is one of the scent components that must be named on EU labels above set levels because it can trigger allergic reactions in some people. For acne-prone skin it does not clog pores, but irritation and redness can make breakouts look and feel worse, so sensitive skin may do better without it.

Is limonene bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Limonene 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

  • Limonene
  • D-limonene
  • Dipentene
  • L-limonene

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Frequently asked questions

Is limonene comedogenic?

Limonene 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 limonene do in skincare?

In short: scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In formulas it is used for deodorant, perfuming and solvent.

What else is limonene called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, limonene can also appear as D-limonene, Dipentene or L-limonene.

Sources