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Profile: Petitgrain Bigarade Essential Oil

Commonly known as: Citrus Aurantium Leaf Oil (I.N.C.I.), Bitter Orange Leaf Essential Oil, Citrus aurantium ssp amara, Petitgrain Paraguay, Petit grain, Bitter Orange Tree.
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium.
Extraction process: Distillation by steam stripping at low pressure.
Family: Rutaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Fresh leaves and small branches.
Location: Originally from the southern Himalayas, it is now predominantly found around the Mediterranean basin and in South America.
Flowering: March - April.
Provenance, origin: Paraguay.
Phytochemical composition: Linalyl acetate, linalool, alpha-terpineol, geranyl acetate, geraniol, trans-beta-ocimene, limonene, beta-myrcene, neryl acetate, nerol, cis-beta-ocimene, beta-caryophyllene, sabinene, beta-pinene.
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Liquid; Colour: Pale yellow to yellow-brown; Scent: Fresh, floral, green.
Physical characteristics: Density = 0.882 - 0.892; Insoluble in water; Soluble in alcohol.
Benefits: Tonic, purifying, fragrant, restorative, regenerative, anti-bacterial.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly oily skin, blemished skin and acne-prone skin; All hair types and especially oily hair.

Details

Usage

Facial Care (creams, serums, eye contour treatments, mists); Body Care (lotions, scrubs, balms); Hair Care (shampoos, conditioners); Hygiene (deodorants, solid soaps).

Method of Preservation

Essential oils are sensitive to UV radiation. That's why it is recommended to store them in an amber glass bottle, away from heat.

Contraindications, usage precautions

Potentially allergenic. When applied topically, it should not be used on babies under three months old or pregnant women in their first trimester. However, its use is permitted for pregnant women (beyond the first trimester) and/or breastfeeding mothers. Do not use pure essential oil on the skin or mucous membranes. Essential oils should not be applied to the eyes, the area around the eyes, or inside the ears.

Note: It is advisable to test the essential oil before using it (apply two drops in the crook of your elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction).

Find out more

Originating from the South of the Himalayas, the bitter orange tree made its appearance around the Mediterranean following the Crusades. Its fruit, known as "bitter orange", is not edible. Several substances are extracted from this tree: hydrodistillation of the flowers produces Neroli essential oil and orange blossom floral water, while its leaves and twigs provide Petitgrain bigarade essential oil. This oil is highly praised for its regenerative, antibacterial and relaxing properties. It also helps to regulate sebum secretion, making it beneficial for the care of oily skin.