Best Terpenes for Skin
What is Limonene?
Limonene has benefits for your skin
Best Terpenes for Skin
Limonene is a Terpene
Limonene is found naturally in the skin of citrus fruits
Best Terpenes for Skin
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene and is found naturally in the skin of citrus fruits, including orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit.
Limonene is a colorless, liquid hydrocarbon, and is classified as a cyclic monoterpene with the molecular formula C10H16.
Limonene has 3 isomers:
1. D-limonene, also known as (R)-limonene, (+)-limonene, is found abundantly in citrus fruits.
2. L-limonene, also known as (S)-limonene, (−)-limonene, is found in pine needles and cones.
3. DL-limonene, also called dipentene, is a mixture of D-limonene and L-limonene.
These limonene isomers are found in different amounts and ratios in various plants. The predominant form of limonene is D-limonene, which is present in nearly 98% of all citrus oils.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Is Limonene Safe?
Pure limonene is safe for most people to use, when it is properly diluted. Oxidized limonene may cause irritation in people with dermatitis or other skin issues. Always choose fresh products and avoid the use of old or expired products that contain limonene.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Is Limonene Safe for Your Skin? Yes
Limonene is a terpene found naturally in citrus peel.
Limonene is considered to have low toxicity and is recognized as a safe ingredient for skincare under the current regulatory guidelines for cosmetics.
In the USA, the FDA considers limonene as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) when used as a fragrance additive.
In Europe, limonene is classified as a potential skin sensitizer. This means that it has the potential to cause a temporary skin reaction (such as red, bumpy, or itchy skin) in some individuals.
The pure compound limonene can also be broken down to oxidized limonene, e.g. limonene hydroperoxides, which are potential allergens in sensitive individuals
Pure limonene is safe for most people to use, when it is properly diluted.
However, oxidized limonene (old limonene) may cause irritation in some people with dermatitis.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Benefits of Limonene
Limonene has cleansing activity, antioxidant activity and may boost the absorption of actives into your skin.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Benefits of Limonene for Your Skin
There are many benefits of limonene for skin.
Limonene is widely used in skincare products for its fresh citrus aroma.
Limonene is a gentle, yet powerful cleaner that is reputed to effectively remove grease, tar, oil, soot, grime and soils.
Limonene has antioxidant activity and may protect your skin by neutralizing unstable free radicals.
Antioxidants such as limonene can also increase the shelf life of skincare products.
Limonene has cleansing activity, antioxidant activity and may boost the absorption of active compounds into your skin.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Limonene is a Permeation Enhancer
Limonene may boost absorption of nutrients and active ingredients, including vitamins into your skin barrier.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Limonene Boosts Absorption
The delivery of active ingredients into the skin is a challenge.
Permeation enhancers help the skin absorb active ingredients.
This can be challenging, as the goal is to increase absorption, without causing any damage to the skin barrier.
Terpenes such as limonene are permeation enhancers with low skin irritation.
Limonene may boost absorption of nutrients and active ingredients, including vitamins into your skin barrier.
Best Terpenes for Skin
Limonene References
Anandakumar et al. D-limonene: A multifunctional compound with potent therapeutic effects. J Food Biochem. 2021 Jan;45(1):e13566.
Kim et al. Safety evaluation and risk assessment of d-Limonene. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2013;16(1):17-38.
Kumar et al. Limonene protects human skin keratinocytes against UVB-induced photodamage and photoaging by activating the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense system. Environ Toxicol. 2022 Sep 5.
Mendanha et al. Effects of nerolidol and limonene on stratum corneum membranes: A probe EPR and fluorescence spectroscopy study. Int J Pharm. 2017 Oct 30;532(1):547-554.
Ravichandran et al. Review of toxicological assessment of d-limonene, a food and cosmetics additive. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2018;120:668–680.
Sun. D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):259-64.
Valgimigli et al. Lemon essential oil enhances the trans-epidermal release of lipid-(A, E) and water-(B6, C) soluble vitamins from topical emulsions in reconstructed human epidermis. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Aug;34(4):347-56.
Featured product


Wild Orange Oil to Milk Face Cleanser
Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Face Cleanser
Created by scientist Dr. Natasha Ryz.
A luxurious oil to milk face cleanser and mask that gently removes makeup, sunscreen and skin debris, while nourishing your skin. Rinses off easily, without stripping the skin of its protective barrier. Gentle oil cleanser leaves your dry skin clean, soft and plump. Best oil cleanser for dry skin.
Cleanse. Soothe. Delight.
Made with organic plant extracts and essential oils.
Size = 100 ml