Citrus Limonium (Lemon Oil)
What is it?
Lemon oil is an essential oil and fragrance used in a variety of products such as personal care products, flavorings, and perfumes.
How can I avoid it?
Avoidance requires reading the product labels, package inserts and on occasion, direct communication with the manufacturer.
The avoidance of fragrances and flavoring agents such as lemon oil can be difficult, since so many everyday products contain these substances. One should use only fragrance-free cosmetic and household products. “Unscented” products may contain low levels of a fragrance to cover up an undesirable odor and also should be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance.
Since fragrances are complex mixtures of many ingredients, an individual may tolerate one fragrance but not another. A trial-and-error method of avoiding a fragrance allergen in a product can be performed by applying the product to the forearm in the same small area twice a day for a week. If no dermatitis develops, the product may likely be used safely.
Direct contact with foods or products containing lemon oil may cause symptoms including burning, irritation and redness. Direct contact may occur on the skin, lips or mouth. Although it is rare, since some fragrances are also flavorings, foods can sometimes cause flare-ups of dermatitis in fragrance-sensitive individuals. If your healthcare provider has diagnosed that you have oral or lip allergies to flavorings, it would be best to avoid foods prepared with lemon oil.
Uses:
- Perfumes/Colognes/After-shaves/Toilet water
- Essential oils
- Skin care products/Cosmetics
- Face masks and peels
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions/mousse
- Soaps/Cleansers/Scrubs
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Lipsticks
- Moisturizers/Serums
- Make-ups
- Nail polish/Nail polish remover
- Powders/Sprays
- Shaving products
- Sunscreens
- Topical medications (prescription and over the counter) such as
- Anesthetics
- Antiseptics
- Throat tablets and lozenges
- Creams, ointments, solutions
- Foot and other powders
- Nasal decongestants
- Herbal remedies, including traditional Chinese medications
- Wound dressings
- Household products
- Air fresheners/Aromatherapy/Potpourri
- Cleaning products/Soaps/Detergents (A preferred household cleaner for fragrance-sensitive individuals is dilute white vinegar.)
- Furniture polish
- Laundry care (detergent, softeners)
- Foods, candies, gum, beverages, various, as a flavoring or spice
- Oral care products as a flavoring
- Cough mixtures
- Toothpaste/Mouthwash
Other names for lemon oil:
• Cedro oil
• Citrus lemon
• Oil of lemon
• Citrus medica limonum
• Citrus limon
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
• Fragrances
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