The Best Citrus Oils for Every Skin Type

Citrus oil is found in the peels of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits, and is extracted by either cold-pressing or steam distillation. This family of oils is exceptionally popular among aromatherapy users, and each is praised for their uplifting, revitalizing effects for mood and mind.

However, the benefits of citrus essential oils go beyond the diffuser, and this is especially so when it comes to the potential it holds in skin care! But who can use citrus oils – are they suitable for any and every skin type?

Citrus Oil for Every Skin Type

Citrus essential oils are famous for providing a bright, zesty fragrance that cheers the spirits. They’re also packed with vitamin C, which holds a plethora of benefits for the skin. The citrus oil family offers quite the variety of fruits, including rogue allstars bergamot and yuzu.

All of these citrus essential oils make revitalizing skin elixirs; and yet, some skin types might benefit more from certain varieties. With that in mind, this article is meant to be a guide on some of the most suitable citrus oils for each skin type.

Beforehand, it should be noted that many of these citrus essential oils are suitable for multiple skin types. But if you have a history of sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to administer a spot test with any new product.

Whether your skin is normal, dry, oily or combination, there may be a specific citrus oil that works best for you. If you know your skin type, follow along and find your personal citrus superstar!

Citrus Oil for Normal Skin

Blood Orange
While its aroma certainly holds a sweetness similar to sweet orange essential oil, blood orange essential oil has a much bolder aroma. Blood orange is an exceptionally seductive fruit with its ruby-red flesh, but don’t be fooled: this citrus is good for you and your skin.

Thanks to concentrated levels of anthocyanins – which provide the striking ‘blood’ red pigment – this particular citrus oil is quite high in antioxidants. As a result, blood orange essential oil can help prevent oxidative damage caused by UV radiation. Adding a few drops of this citrus oil to your nightly moisturizer can add a rejuvenating boost to your skin care regimen.

Like all citrus essential oils, though, it is important to note that blood orange essential oil can cause photosensitivity, so it shouldn’t be applied before going out in the sun. If you do use a citrus oil product during the day, wear it under a 30+ broad spectrum SPF – and be vigilant about reapplying.

Lemon
As is characteristic of most citrus oils, lemon essential oil tends to be high in vitamin C. In addition to providing immune system relief, this vitamin can also reduce the effects of oxidative damage to the skin. As a result, lemon essential oil is becoming a common ingredient in brightening and restorative skin care products.

Many studies have documented that lemon oil may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, by reversing free radical damage and preventing further oxidative stress.

Citrus Oil for Oily Skin

Sweet Orange
With its almost candy-like aroma, sweet orange essential oil is a favorite for aromatherapy and home diffusers. This special citrus oil is backed by legitimate evidence that inhaling it can help with anxiety and depression – we think that’s pretty impressive!

When it comes to skin, sweet orange has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that work well for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin. Additionally, studies have observed that sweet orange essential oil improved acne. Other research revealed that sweet orange essential oil doesn’t seem to trigger any additional reactions, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

With its built-in store of vitamin C, sweet orange oil can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars often associated with oily, breakout-prone skin.

Citrus Oil for Dry Skin

Bergamot
You probably recognize bergamot from your Earl Grey tea blend, but bergamot essential oil also has a prominent place in aromatherapy in skin care. We even use it in our Restorative Facial Oil, which is formulated to nourish damaged, dry skin with cold-pressed seed oils and fragrant, terpene-rich essential oils.

Bergamot essential oil is really suitable for all skin types, but those with dry skin may benefit the most from this citrus oil by soothing inflammation while balancing the natural oils in the skin.

We encourage you to learn more about the skin care benefits of bergamot for skin and hair; be sure to brush up on why the bergapten-free aspect is so important for skin care, too.

Citrus Oil for Combination Skin

Pink Grapefruit
Pink grapefruit is yet another citrus oil known for its uplifting scent qualities. Similar to other citrus oils, pink grapefruit essential oil offers a wealth of antioxidants that can help to keep your skin looking young.

In addition to studies regarding its effect on stress and anxiety, pink grapefruit essential oil has also been noted for its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial effects. This makes it useful for regulating unpredictable sebum levels in combination skin types.

Pink grapefruit essential oil is also rich in vitamin A, which encourages skin cell turnover for clearer skin.

Yuzu
Yuzu fruits aren’t so common in the United States, but these small, vibrant citruses are wildly popular in Japan. In the spirit of their strong, winter-resistant trees, yuzus are known to symbolize hardiness and perseverance.

Yuzu has become increasingly popular for those using aromatherapy for their emotional health, but it has also become increasingly popular in skin care. This is not only because of the naturally exquisite fragrance found in yuzu essential oil, but also because of the way it tones the skin and restores pH levels.

Yuzu essential oil is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties – as demonstrated in this 2010 study – and it may be especially ideal for those who are prone to sudden breakouts or bouts of oiliness.