Commonly known as orange blossom oil, neroli oil is extracted from bitter orange flowers. Most importantly, it is extracted using steam distillation. Neroli oil is an essential oil frequently found in many cosmetic products and used as a part of aromatherapy.
Neroli Oil Benefits
Even though neroli oil has not been studied extensively, it has multiple benefits for various conditions.
Skin
According to studies, neroli oil has many antibacterial properties, making it highly beneficial for acne-prone skin. When applied to acne, it controls sebum production and soothes inflammation and redness caused by breakouts. Neroli oil also boosts cell regeneration in the skin while moisturizing it fully. Moreover, neroli oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. [1]
Controlling Blood Pressure and Pulse
Neroli oil reduces cortisol in the body, which is a stress hormone, and lowering cortisol levels in the body lowers blood pressure. It contains limonene that affects the autonomic nervous system by controlling heartbeat and breathing.
PMS and Labor
During the first stage of labor, anxiety and pain can be reduced by inhaling the scent of neroli oil. PMS can be a severe problem in women. Neroli oil was shown to reduce the symptoms such as mood swings, pain, and bloating. It also helps women going through menopausal symptoms by helping them with high blood pressure, increased stress, and low libido. [2]
Inflammation
It has anti-inflammatory properties, due to which you can use it both internally and topically. Apart from skin inflammation, it can also help with organ inflammation. Some studies suggest that neroli oil can treat many inflammatory-induced diseases if incorporated into food products.
Neroli Oil for Skin Lightening
It can lighten and whiten skin tone when applied to the skin. Moreover, it also controls sebum production in the skin; hence, a few drops of it can be quite beneficial. It contains citral, which plays an important role in cell regeneration. This process tones the skin by removing dead cells and bringing out a new cell layer from beneath.
Neroli Essential Oil Side Effects
It is strong; hence you should dilute it before applying it to the skin. It should be added in a carrier oil such as olive oil. The normal amount is 2 to 6 drops added to any carrier oil of your choice. Since neroli is an essential oil, it can directly affect it when inhaled during aromatherapy. Pets and other people might not benefit from this scent; hence it is advised to keep them away from the area. [3]
If used according to the directions given, it is completely safe to use. However, if you ingest it, then it could be dangerous for you. People with a citrus allergy should stay away from it. It is also suggested that you carry out a patch test before applying it to your skin.
Like other essential oils, they should not be used in sunlight, such as while tanning or if you cannot avoid going out in direct sunlight. The reaction to doing this can be severe and harsh.
Why is Neroli Oil so Expensive?
It tends to be more expensive as compared to other essential oils, and this is mainly due to its extraction process. The number of flowers required to make a certain amount of oil is also greater. So, while it might be available in health stores and other shops, it will have a higher price.
How to Make Neroli Oil
Making the neroli oil is slightly tricky and also a lengthy process. Neroli is extracted from orange blossom flowers through steam distillation. When plucked from trees, the flowers can quickly lose the oil; hence it is important to extract it immediately.
Since it can be used topically, it is safe to apply to the skin. However, since it is an essential oil, you must dilute it in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Moreover, before you start using it for the skin, you should carry out a patch test to see if it suits you or not.
If you are allergic to citrus, using it on the skin can cause a serious reaction.
How to Use Neroli Oil for Skin
It is mainly used in aromatherapy and for direct application on the skin. For aromatherapy, you can use it either directly or mix it with another essential oil in a diffuser or spritzer. You can also mix a bit of it in your bath or a steamer to inhale it.
If you feel like inhaling the scent throughout the day and night, then you can dab a little bit of oil on a handkerchief and smell it or place a cotton ball dabbed in the oil beneath your pillow before sleeping.
Some studies suggest that essential oils can have greater benefits when used in aromatherapy and massage together. For this, you should add it in a carrier oil and use that to massage it onto your skin. It can also be used to treat breakouts and acne by applying the oil directly to targeted areas. [4]
What Does Neroli Oil Smell Like?
Since it is extracted from orange blossom flowers, it has a citrusy scent mixed with a dense and floral touch. However, scents vary between people, and some claim that neroli smells like soap to them. The citrus part of the scent remains dominant in neroli. [5]
The Bottomline
Even though neroli oil has not been studied in detail, incidents and research show that using it for aromatherapy reduces stress. It also provides pain relief when used topically. When buying neroli oil, you should choose an undiluted and therapeutic grade option. If applied topically, then dilute it in a carrier oil.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Ammar, A. H., Bouajila, J., Lebrihi, A., Mathieu, F., Romdhane, M., & Zagrouba, F. (2012). Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Citrus aurantium l. flowers essential oil (Neroli oil). Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS, 15(21), 1034–1040. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjbs.2012.1034.1040
- Choi, S. Y., Kang, P., Lee, H. S., & Seol, G. H. (2014). Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2014, 796518. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/796518
- Orchard, A., & van Vuuren, S. F. (2019). Carrier oils in dermatology. Archives of dermatological research, 311(9), 653–672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-019-01951-8
- Ammar, A. H., Bouajila, J., Lebrihi, A., Mathieu, F., Romdhane, M., & Zagrouba, F. (2012). Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Citrus aurantium l. flowers essential oil (Neroli oil). Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS, 15(21), 1034–1040. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjbs.2012.1034.1040
- Sánchez-Vidaña, D. I., Ngai, S. P., He, W., Chow, J. K., Lau, B. W., & Tsang, H. W. (2017). The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 5869315. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5869315
