Ingredient decoder

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

INCI name: Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Deodorant
  • Flavouring
  • Masking
  • Perfuming

Tangerine oil in plain English

Tangerine or mandarin oil is pressed from the fruit peel and adds a sweet citrus scent. It is mostly limonene, which becomes more irritating as it oxidizes in air. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is tangerine oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Tangerine 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 Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil
  • Mandarin oil
  • Tangerine peel oil
  • Mandarin peel oil
  • Citrus reticulata peel oil
  • Citrus nobilis peel oil
  • Citrus nobilis (mandarin orange) peel oil

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is tangerine oil comedogenic?

Tangerine 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 tangerine oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for deodorant, flavouring, masking and perfuming.

What else is tangerine oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, tangerine oil can also appear as Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Mandarin oil, Tangerine peel oil, Mandarin peel oil or Citrus reticulata peel oil.

Sources