What Are the Side Effects of Orange Blossom?

In skin and hair care, orange blossom can be used in the form of essential oil and hydrolate. The I.N.C.I. names differ, "Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water" for the hydrolat, "Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil" for the essential oil.

These two substances are nevertheless derived from the same manufacturing process, called hydrodistillation, or steam distillation. The white flowers of the bigaradier are first harvested and dried. Then they are mixed with water in a still, and the mixture is heated. The water vapor is cooled in a condenser and recovered in liquid form. On the surface floats the essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, which is none other than the hydrosol.

These two substances come from the same plant and have similar properties, but the hydrolat is less concentratedin active substances because the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities. Both extracts are used in skin care for their lightening and antioxidant properties. By fighting against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, they restore radiance to dull complexions and slow down the appearance of wrinkles. When applied to hair, they revitalize dehydrated and dry hair, moisturize hair fibers and bring shine.