Bitter Orange Oil

Bitter Orange Oil is a fresh, sharp and slightly floral citrus essential oil cold pressed from the peel of Citrus aurantium, the bitter or Seville orange. It is drier and more complex than sweet orange oil and is valued in fine perfumery, liqueurs, flavours and aromatherapy.

Arizone International supplies Bitter Orange Oil for fragrance houses, flavour and beverage companies, cosmetic brands and aromatherapy businesses.

One Tree, Three Oils

The bitter orange tree is remarkable because it gives three different aromatic products. The peel is cold pressed to make bitter orange oil. The leaves and twigs are steam distilled to make petitgrain oil. The white blossoms are distilled to make neroli oil, or solvent extracted to make orange flower absolute. Each has a completely different scent, and all three are classic perfumery materials.

Bitter orange is native to Southeast Asia and was brought to Spain by the Moors. Seville in Spain is famous for its bitter orange trees, and the fruit is the traditional base for British orange marmalade. The fruit is too sour to eat fresh, but the peel oil is very aromatic. Today the oil is produced in Spain, Italy, Morocco, Brazil and other countries.

Aroma and Composition

• LimoneneThe main component, usually above 90%, giving the fresh citrus note.
• Myrcene and LinaloolAdding freshness and a soft floral tone.
• Aldehydes and EstersGiving the drier, more bitter and complex character.
• FurocoumarinsSuch as bergapten, present in cold-pressed oil.

Applications

• Fine perfumery, colognes and eau de toilette
• Orange liqueurs such as curaçao and triple sec-style drinks
• Food flavours, marmalade flavours and confectionery
• Aromatherapy blends for an uplifting mood
• Soaps, body washes and household fragrances

Important Safety Note: Phototoxicity

Cold-pressed bitter orange oil is phototoxic because of its furocoumarin content. If applied to skin that is then exposed to sunlight or UV light, it can cause redness, blistering or dark patches. IFRA standards set a maximum level for use in leave-on skin products, and skin treated with it should not be exposed to the sun for at least 12 hours. Wash-off products such as soaps carry lower risk. Like other citrus oils, it can oxidise and become irritating, so it should be stored properly.

Note that bitter orange fruit extract (synephrine) used in some weight-loss supplements is a different product and is regulated separately; this page refers only to the peel essential oil.

Blending Tips

Bitter orange blends well with neroli, petitgrain, lavender, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, frankincense, sandalwood and other citrus oils.

Quality Parameters

• Botanical identity (Citrus aurantium peel)
• Gas chromatography profile
• Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation
• Evaporation residue and aldehyde content
• Screening for sweet orange oil and synthetic limonene adulteration

Packaging and Storage

Supplied in aluminium bottles, HDPE containers or drums, with nitrogen flushing on request. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place and use within the recommended shelf life.

Why Choose Arizone International?

We are an India-based supplier and exporter of essential oils, located in Daman near Gujarat. We supply Bitter Orange Oil with COA, GC reports, MSDS and full export documentation.

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