In our reference data, Lemon Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Lemon oil is a cold-pressed citrus essential oil used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and for its antioxidant and astringent properties. It contains limonene, citral, and photoactive furocoumarins that influence its safety profile.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Common | Can cause stinging, redness, or dryness, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Phototoxicity | Common | Furocoumarins (e.g., bergapten) can cause exaggerated sunburn or hyperpigmentation upon UV exposure after application. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Limonene and citral are recognized fragrance allergens that can sensitize over time. |
Phytophotodermatitis (blistering, hyperpigmentation) | Uncommon | Severe sun-triggered reactions producing blisters and lasting pigment changes. |
Systemic or severe allergic reaction | Rare | Generalized hypersensitivity responses are infrequently reported. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.