In our reference data, Bergamot Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Bergamot oil is a citrus-derived essential oil used in skincare and cosmetics primarily as a fragrance and aromatic agent. It contains furocoumarins (notably bergapten) that can react with UV light.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Phototoxic reaction (berloque dermatitis) | Common | UV exposure after application can cause hyperpigmentation, redness, or burning; risk reduced with bergapten-free (FCF) oil. |
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause irritation or redness, especially on sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
Allergic contact sensitization | Uncommon | Citrus constituents like limonene and linalool can act as allergens, particularly after oxidation. |
Persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Rare | Phototoxic lesions can leave long-lasting pigment changes. |
Severe blistering phototoxic burn | Very rare | Reported with high concentrations plus intense sun or tanning-bed exposure. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.