Orange essential oil is probably one of the most loved essential oils out there, especially when it comes to making food and drinks. It’s also a great favourite among aromatherapists and massage therapists. The oil comes from the peels of Citrus Sinensis oranges, and it’s so versatile! It’s packed with benefits like boosting your mood, helping to calm anxiety, and even fighting off germs. Its happy smell can help you chill out and make your space feel cosy and welcoming. It’s a great boost to your natural wellness routine!
Table of Contents
Botanical Name and INCI
The botanical name for Sweet Orange essential oil is Citrus sinensis. The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name for sweet orange oil is Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil. It’s important to note that I’m referring to Sweet Orange essential oil. Bitter Orange essential oil is available, but it is rarely used in skincare formulations because it can be phototoxic.
Orange trees are believed to be a natural hybrid of pummelo and mandarin, originating between Southwest China and the Himalayas. In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought orange seeds to the Americas. Then, in the 15th century, some Portuguese explorers helped spread them to West Africa and Europe. By the 16th century, oranges had reached England.
At first, Europeans really looked at citrus fruits like oranges as something more for health than just for eating. Nowadays, orange trees have become the most popular fruit trees grown around the world. In China, oranges symbolise good fortune and play a significant role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Extraction Method
Orange essential oil is primarily extracted from the orange peel. Traditionally, cold-pressing was the main method, which involves mechanically pressing the peel to release the essential oils. Modern techniques now include steam distillation and solvent extraction, which can produce more essential oil at a reduced cost.
The scent of sweet orange essential oil is fresh and sweet. It is often described as a top note in perfumery, offering a bright and uplifting aroma.
Terpene Profile of Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil contains a great blend of terpenes that really give it its distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties. The exact terpene profile can vary based on factors such as the orange variety, growing conditions, and the extraction method.
- Limonene: This is the primary terpene, typically making up 90% to 95% of the oil’s composition. It gives the oil its characteristic citrusy scent and has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- Myrcene: Present in smaller quantities, Myrcene has an earthy, musky aroma and is known for its sedative effects.
- Alpha-Pinene: This terpene contributes a fresh, pine-like scent and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linalool: This terpene adds a floral note, and it helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Sabinene: This terpene is a mild antioxidant and is found in citrus peel oils.
Comparable Terpenes in Cannabis Varieties
Orange essential oil is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming effects, thanks to the therapeutic benefits of its high Limonene content, along with Myrcene, Alpha-Pinene, and Linalool. You can enhance these therapeutic benefits even further when you include certain cannabis strains. This could be done by making a Cannabis Infused Oil, or maybe you could make some Cannabis-Infused Space Cakes to enhance the diffusion of Orange essential oil into a room.
It also depends on what your intention is. If you need pain relief, try infusing ACDC to create a massage oil or a Cannabis Muscle Balm with added Orange essential oil. This will enhance the pain relief qualities of both ingredients.
- ACDC is a high-CBD, low-THC strain (around 1% THC), so it generally does not produce a psychoactive high. It contains Myrcene, which is known for its pain-relieving and sedative properties. Combining it with Limonene (from Orange essential oil) could potentially offer pain relief and enhance mental clarity, as Limonene is known for its uplifting effects.
- Tangie and Super Lemon Haze are high in Limonene, which can improve your mood, reduce inflammation, and enhance the uplifting effects of Orange essential oil.
- Tropicana Cookies and Agent Orange are both strains that have a high Limonene content, along with good amounts of Myrcene and Pinene. Myrcene can add further relaxation and anti-inflammatory support, while Pinene can help with alertness and respiratory function.
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Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil offers so many benefits, from uplifting mood to providing antimicrobial properties. It’s a versatile natural remedy with applications in aromatherapy, skincare, and traditional medicine.
Skin Care Uses
Orange essential oil is widely used in cosmetics due to its strong safety profile, making it suitable for children’s and baby products.
- Orange essential oil can reduce acne, brighten skin, and is suitable for most skin types, including oily skin, thanks to its balancing and antimicrobial properties. Its gentle, astringent properties help tighten pores and give anti-aging benefits.
- It helps eliminate harmful bacteria while boosting collagen production, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. This is even more enhanced when combined with Frankincense essential oil.
- Nourishes the skin and soothes dryness when used in moisturisers or cleansers.
- Works wonders for calluses, especially on feet, softening and hydrating tough skin effectively.
- Many spas use Orange essential oil in body wraps because it helps reduce excess water, especially when mixed with Grapefruit essential oil. This combination will also help you relax and unwind.
- Increases blood flow when used in massage, which can help relieve the discomfort of inflammation. Try blending with Frankincense essential oil in a massage blend to have a powerful calming effect, restoring optimism.
- Essential oils and emotions are very closely linked, and this oil is no exception. It’s refreshing and can gently lift you out of the blues, but it is also relaxing. A great oil to use when things have been hectic or even traumatic.
Hair Care Uses
Sweet orange essential oil can also be beneficial for hair care.
- Its cleansing properties help remove buildup on the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.
- The oil’s ability to improve blood circulation can stimulate hair follicles for stronger hair growth.
- Can add shine and reduce frizz when added to hair products.
- Helps balance a greasy scalp when added to shampoo.
Other Uses
- My connection with Orange Essential Oil is deeply personal; it brings a joyful smile to my face while awakening my inner child, bridging the gap to the grumpy old man I’ve become. I feel the weight lift off my shoulders, and it allows a more playful “me” to emerge.
- A study on pregnant women found that Sweet Orange essential oil lowered anxiety and significantly reduced pain during labor.
If you want the full low‑down on essential oils, carrier oils, herbs and terpenes, check my Holistic Aromatherapy Guide.
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Topical Use and Formulations:
Always dilute sweet orange essential oil with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba, Sweet Almond, or Coconut oil, before applying it to the skin. A general dilution guideline for adults is 1% to 2% essential oil, which means 6 to 12 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. For sensitive skin or children, a lower dilution (0.5% or less) is recommended.
Orange essential oil can be incorporated into various formulations such as:
- Creams and Lotions: Add diluted orange oil to your favourite unscented creams or lotions for skin-brightening and nourishing benefits. This Conditioning Lotion Bar works for hair and skin, so Orange essential oil would be a great addition.
- Balms: Create soothing balms for dry patches or calluses by blending orange oil with beeswax and carrier oils. This Soothing Balm would be great to add Orange to.
- Massage Blends: Combine it with other essential oils and a carrier oil for a relaxing and uplifting massage. Get inspired by this great Massage Oil Blend with explanation about why the individual ingredients are so effective.
- Facial Oils: A few drops in a facial oil blend can help brighten dull skin tones and support collagen formation. Here’s an amazing formulation that you may never have tried before for a Solid Facial Oil that is easy to make and so nutitious.
Orange Essential Oil Blending Suggestions
Orange essential oil blends beautifully with a wide range of other essential oils due to its versatile and uplifting aroma. Here are five blending suggestions that can be used in a diffuser or added to your own lotion formulations.
Sunshine & Serenity: 8 drops Sweet Orange + 6 drops Lavender + 6 drops Frankincense.
Morning Motivation: 8 drops Sweet Orange + 4 drops Peppermint + 4 drops Lemon + 4 drops Rosemary.
Calming Sleepy Time: 7 drops Sweet Orange + 7 drops Cedarwood + 6 drops Roman Chamomile.
Skin Brightening Facial Serum: 5 drops Sweet Orange + 4 drops Geranium + 2 drops Carrot Seed + 2 drops Frankincense. Dilute this in 50ml Jojobal oil.
Bathroom Brightness: 8 drops Sweet Orange + 7 drops Grapefuit + 6 drops Bergamot
Contraindications and Safety:
Sweet Orange essential oil has a strong safety profile and is generally considered safe to use on sensitive skin, children, and even babies (in very small dilutions). It is also not phototoxic.
However, general safety precautions for essential oils should always be followed:
- Dilution: Always dilute orange essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.
- Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Health Conditions: If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, consult your doctor before using essential oils.
- Internal Use: Do not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
- Pets: Keep essential oils out of reach of pets. Diffuse in well-ventilated areas and observe your pets for any signs of discomfort. Always research pet-specific safety guidelines for essential oils.
Storage and Handling Tips
- Store in a cool, dark place in a glass bottle with a tight cap.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Discard if it smells off or weak.
Chakra Associations
Chakras are energy centres in the body, each associated with different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Keeping them balanced helps maintain overall wellbeing.
Orange essential oil, with its uplifting and joyful properties, has strong associations with the following chakras:
- 2nd Chakra (Sacral Chakra / Svadhisthana)
This is your centre for pleasure, creativity, and emotional flow. It helps you connect with your feelings, sexuality, and the simple joys of life. When balanced, you’re open to new experiences and comfortable in your own skin. This chakra is also about expressing your emotions and sexuality.
Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel
Qualities: Emotions, creativity, pleasure, sexuality
Mantra: “I allow creativity and pleasure into my life”
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Stone: Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Moonstone
- 3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra / Manipura)
This chakra rules your confidence, self-worth, and personal power. It’s where you find your inner strength and the drive to set boundaries and achieve your goals. Balanced, it helps you stand tall and feel capable.
Location: Upper abdomen, stomach area
Qualities: Confidence, personal power, will, self-esteem
Mantra: “I am confident in all that I do”
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Stone: Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Jasper
- 4th Chakra (Heart Chakra / Anahata)
The heart chakra connects you with love, compassion, and kindness. It’s the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, helping you form deeper connections with others and with yourself. A balanced heart chakra brings harmony and forgiveness. This chakra is also about emotional healing, good mental health, and unconditional love.
Location: Center of chest
Qualities: Love, compassion, forgiveness, connection
Mantra: “I am open to love and compassion”
Colour: Green (sometimes pink)
Element: Air
Stone: Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Jade
- 6th Chakra (Third Eye Chakra / Ajna)
Your third eye is your inner vision – intuition, insight, and perception. It helps you see the bigger picture, trust your instincts, and tune in to your inner guidance. Balanced, it sharpens your mind and imagination. This chakra is also about self-learning apart from the physical world.
Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
Qualities: Intuition, insight, perception, wisdom
Mantra: “I trust my intuition and inner wisdom”
Colour: Indigo
Element: Light
Stone: Amethyst, Sodalite, Labradorite
Chinese Emotions of the Organs
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each main emotion is linked to a specific organ, so how you feel affects your body, and vice versa. Keeping your emotions balanced helps keep your organs healthy, and looking after your organs supports your emotional wellbeing.
Orange essential oil’s properties align with supporting several emotional aspects linked to organs:
- Heart and Colon – joy, love, constipation. Lack of self-love and letting go
Orange oil’s ability to uplift mood, promote joy, and help release emotional tensions directly supports the Heart, fostering feelings of happiness and self-love. Its digestive aid properties also align with supporting the Colon. - Lungs and Small Intestines – Guilt and grief. Lung and/or bowel problems.
The oil’s uplifting and calming effects can indirectly help in processing emotions like grief, which are associated with the Lungs.
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Conclusion
Orange essential oil is a truly versatile and beneficial oil, loved for its uplifting aroma and wide range of therapeutic properties. From brightening dull skin and balancing oily scalps to easing anxiety and promoting emotional wellbeing, its applications are extensive. Whether diffused to create a cheerful atmosphere, blended into skincare formulations for a radiant complexion, or used in massage to soothe discomfort, sweet orange oil is a wonderful addition to any natural wellness toolkit. Its safety profile makes it a gentle yet effective choice for many.
FAQ
What is orange essential oil good for?
Orange essential oil is best known for lifting your mood, calming anxiety, and freshening the air. It’s also great for skincare, helping to reduce acne, brighten dull skin, and boost collagen. It’s often used in massage blends and natural cleaning products too.
Can I put orange essential oil directly on my skin?
No, you should always dilute orange essential oil in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil before applying it to your skin. A safe dilution is 1% to 2% for adults. It’s gentle but still concentrated enough to cause irritation if used neat.
Does orange essential oil help with anxiety?
Yes, orange essential oil is one of the most calming citrus oils. It contains limonene and linalool, which are both known to ease anxiety, calm the nervous system, and lift your mood. Try diffusing it or adding a few drops to a warm bath.
Is sweet orange essential oil phototoxic?
No, sweet orange essential oil is not phototoxic. That means you can safely use it in daytime skincare without worrying about sun damage. Just make sure it’s properly diluted. Bitter orange oil, on the other hand, is phototoxic and should be avoided on sun-exposed skin.
What blends well with orange essential oil?
Orange essential oil blends beautifully with lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, peppermint, and grapefruit. It’s great in diffuser blends, lotions, and massage oils. Use it to create a bright, happy aroma or to balance deeper, more grounding scents.
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