Limonene
Limonene is a citrus-scented fragrance substance. It is one of the fragrance allergens that EU law requires on the label. Contact with air makes it more allergenic.
What it is
Limonene occurs in orange and lemon oils. It appears in perfumes, shampoos, creams and cleaning products.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Skin (cosmetics) |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | No concern found |
| Cat | No concern found |
Limonene oxidises in air, and the oxidised form is a known skin sensitiser. The app is more cautious about fragrance allergens that act as strong sensitisers than about the others.
Basis of the ratings: published studies.
Possible concerns: Allergenic.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (skin), Child (skin), Infant (skin): Individually labelled fragrance allergens (Reg. 2023/1545): oxidisable terpenes + strong sensitisers Medium, the rest Low.
Rules and use
Limonene is on the EU list of fragrance allergens. It must be named in the ingredient list above 0.001 % in leave-on products and 0.01 % in rinse-off products.
Read the guide: Fragrance allergens in cosmetics
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 1169/2011, Annex II: substances causing allergies
- Reg. (EU) 2023/1545: labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetics
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.