Bergamot Oil for Skin: a Natural Skin Brightener

Are you looking for a natural way to brighten up your skin? Bergamot oil may be the perfect solution! This unique essential oil is chock-full of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, improve skin tone, and even lighten dark spots.

So if you're ready to jump on board the bergamot bandwagon and join the ranks of radiantly glowing skincare lovers everywhere, keep reading!

What is bergamot good for?

Bergamot is an aromatic citrus fruit that's about the size of an orange and has a yellow-green color. It’s native to Southeast Asia. When it comes to its skincare uses, the essential oil extracted from bergamot is known as an antiseptic and natural skin brightener, helping to clear up problem areas without causing further aggravation or dryness. 

This delicious fruit can help keep acne at bay, soothe redness, and reduce inflammation. It's packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C, and also has natural antiseptic properties, meaning that bergamot can be great for disinfecting wounds.

Pros & Cons of using bergamot for skin

Pros

• Bergamot oil has antibacterial properties, which can help reduce and prevent breakouts.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe redness and irritation caused by skin sensitivity or conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• It has moisturizing qualities, which make it a great natural skin hydration agent.
• Bergamot oil is rich in citric acid, making it ideal to exfoliate the skin and brighten the complexion

Cons

• Like other citrus fruits, bergamot is packed with citric acid which can make your skin sensitive to the sun, causing sunburn, rashes, irritation, and skin discoloration. Always use sunscreen after applying a product with bergamot to avoid these effects.

Ingredients specifications

Clean

Bergamot oil is extracted directly from the bergamot fruit, so it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or substances. This means it is clean

Vegan

Since bergamot is a fruit, the oil extracted from it is vegan-friendly

Pregnancy safe

Bergamot oil for skin is safe to use while pregnant. Nonetheless, bear in mind that, during pregnancy, people tend to be more sensitive to the sun and this can be worsened by bergamot. That’s why it’s best to use it at night or cover your skin with sunscreen if you’re using it during the day 

Breastfeeding safe

This ingredient is safe to use while breastfeeding, however, takes into consideration that it can still make your skin sensitive to the sun.

Active ingredient

Bergamot oil is not a carrier oil meaning that it’s used as an active ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. 

Comedogenic

Bergamot oil is non-comedogenic. In fact, its citric acid content can help you reduce oil production, clear your pores, and reduce acne. 

EWG (Environment Working Group) Score 

This ingredient has a score of 3-4 according to the EWG. With limited data, the EWG has determined that the oil is a photosensitizer that can burn your skin when exposed to the skin. Additionally, it has a high possibility of causing allergic reactions.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: Unknown

The CIR has not yet reviewed this ingredient. However, the committee considered that essential oils with citric acid can irritate the skin when used in cosmetics and skincare products. 

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient 

When to use bergamot il?

Since it is a photosensitizer, it is best to use bergamot oil for skin during the night to avoid the irritation, rashes, and itchiness that the oil can cause to the skin when exposed to the sun. 

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions of use before applying any new products to your skin. 

What skin type is bergamot oil good for?

This oil is especially good for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin since it can reduce sebum production, diminish obvious pores, and cleanse the skin to prevent and treat acne breakouts. 

What you can’t mix with bergamot oil?

It’s better to not mix bergamot oil with other photosensitizers and irritants, like retinoids, since it can make your skin even more sensitive and, if you’re allergic, the rashes, peeling, and burning sensation can be worse. 

Always dilute bergamot oil with carrier oil, like grapeseed or jojoba. Being an essential oil, bergamot is too potent and can cause irritation, that’s why mixing it with carrier oil will help you lessen its effects. 

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FAQ’s

What are the bergamot skin benefits?

Bergamot for the skin is a powerhouse of awesome properties! Its main active ingredient is limonene, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to soothe redness and irritation and protect the skin from environmental damage. Bergamot also contains natural antibacterial compounds, making it perfect for treating acne breakouts. And if that's not enough, it helps to improve skin tone, regulate sebum production, and can even act as a gentle exfoliant. 

Is using bergamot oil safe?

Bergamot oil can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, causing irritation, spots, itchiness, and burning. Additionally, the EWG considers that it’s toxic and can cause allergic reactions in certain cases. So, it’s recommended to use this oil at night and always do a patch test first on the skin of your arms to check for any allergies. 

Tips & Tricks to include in your skincare routine

• Avoid using bergamot oil for skin during the day as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun
• Always dilute bergamot oil with a carrier oil to avoid any irritation due to its concentration
• Find products that include formulated bergamot oil instead of buying the essential oil by itself. Formulated skincare products are safer and less likely to harm or damage your skin