Lime Essential Oil
Lime Essential Oil is produced by cold expression of the fruit peel of Citrus aurantifolia. It has a bright, tart citrus aroma with fresh green, sweet, and lightly bitter notes and is generally considered a top note in aromatic formulations.
Four Primary Constituents and Typical Ranges
- Limonene: approximately 35–55%
- β-Pinene: approximately 10–20%
- γ-Terpinene: approximately 8–15%
- Citral: approximately 2–8%
These are representative natural ranges rather than guaranteed batch values. Composition varies with plant variety or chemotype, growing region, harvest, processing, distillation, storage, and the individual production batch.
Common Uses and Aromatic Properties
This essential oil is commonly used in uplifting diffusion, deodorizing products, household cleaning blends, soaps, refreshing body products, and citrus perfumery. In aromatherapy, it is traditionally valued for uplifting, clarifying, cleansing, deodorizing, astringent, and refreshing properties. These descriptions refer to customary aromatic and cosmetic use and are not claims that the oil diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.
Adult Dilution and Use
For cold-pressed lime in leave-on products, keep topical use at approximately 0.5%, equal to 1 drop in 10 mL, and do not exceed about 0.7%. Drop measurements are approximate because drop size varies by oil and dispenser. Begin with the lowest effective dilution and perform a patch test before broader use.
Use With Children
Not recommended for topical use with children under 6. For ages 6–12, use approximately 0.25%, equal to 1 drop in 20 mL, and observe UV precautions. Do not use essential oils routinely with children under age 2 unless directed by a pediatric healthcare professional or qualified clinical aromatherapist. Never place essential oils in or near a child's eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or hands.
Safety Precautions
Cold-pressed lime is phototoxic. Avoid sunlight, tanning beds, and strong UV exposure on treated skin for at least 12–18 hours. Distilled lime is generally not phototoxic, but follow the product label. For external and aromatic use only. Do not ingest unless specifically directed by a properly qualified healthcare professional. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes, keep out of reach of children, and discontinue use if irritation or breathing discomfort occurs.
