Bergamot oil in skin care

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit from the Mediterranean that has been used perfumes and cosmetics since the early 18th century. (1)

It is also referred to as “oil of bergamot.”

It contains significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic compounds. (2,3)

Bergamot oil can be found in many products like fragrances, vitiligo treatments, and cleansers of all kinds.

Using this oil in the sun can be dangerous, as bergamot has been observed to cause and increased risk of sunburn.

To find out if bergamot is right for your skin, take our quiz and shop by your Baumann Skin Type!

This blog covers the facts of bergamot oil in skin care so you can decide if it’s right for your skin!

What is a bergamot?

A bergamot is often also called a sour orange; they’re wrinkly, green, and grown on trees. They grow along the coast of the Mediterranean sea.

Bergamot was most likely created as hybrid between lemons and bitter oranges.

The essential oil derived from bergamot is very useful in many skin care products because it is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and used to treat hypopigmentation disorders such as vitiligo.

Bergamot is the primary ingredient in Earl Grey Tea!

It is found in candles, perfumes, colognes and aftershave lotions because of its pleasing aroma.

How is bergamot oil extracted?

Bergamot oil is pressed from the skin and pulp of the bergamot fruit, and its extraction is very similar to that of lemon, lime, or even rose oils.

The fruit is generally cold pressed, then left unrefined to leave the natural active compounds intact.

Since bergamot has high amounts of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, it has a long shelf life.

benefits of bergamot

Bergamot benefits

Bergamot is not a typical oil as it contains no lipids; otherwise, it has many beneficial compounds and functions such as:

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

Sebum regulation

Collagen production

Hair growth

Stimulation of melanocytes to make pigment

Skin lightening

Wound healing

Some studies have even shown bergamot extract and essential oil may reduce blood pressure and improve mental conditions.(9)

Acne

Bergamot oil can be a good ingredient for acne treatments. It is commonly found in acne treatment cleansers.

It is safer to use in cleansers than in leave on acne treatment products because cleansers are rinsed off before going into the sun.

In a study examining acne treatments on hamsters, bergamot was demonstrated to significantly slow down the growth of the skin’s sebaceous glands (the structures that produce oil inside your skin). (2)

The pressed essential oil form of bergamot was found more effective in acne treatments than its raw juice.

As an antimicrobial, bergamot also assists in the treatment and prevention of acne by eliminating acne causing bacteria on the skin.

It is not comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores on its own and can be used on acne prone skin depending on your skin type.

However, other acne treatments such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are much more effective as acne treatments.

Aging

One study showed increases in production of skin collagen as a result of using the oil. (9)

Aging skin has reduced levels of collagen and one of the goals of an antiaging skin care regimen is to increase levels of collagen in the skin.

Although bergamot oil may be a natural way to treat skin aging, it is nt as effective as other antiaging ingredients.

Psoriasis

Bergamot oil can be a natural way to treat psoriasis because of its anti-inflammatory abilities.

One publication in the scientific literature from 2019 found that across 31 studies bergamot was shown to effectively treat psoriatic plaques. (9)

Since bergamot does not contain any moisturizing fatty acids, it should be used alongside a hydrating oil or body moisturizer on psoriatic skin.

Inflammation

bergamot for inflammation

Bergamot may be an effective natural treatment for treating many kinds of inflammation.

A 2017 study focusing on the effects of 10 different essential oils found that bergamot slowed the spread of inflammation. (8)

The same study also found that bergamot was one of just 3/10 essential oils that inhibited proteins involved with inflammation, and demonstrated wound healing abilities.

Bergamot oil is a natural anti-inflammatory found in organic skin care products that might be great for your skin if it’s a part of your custom skin care regimen.

However, it should never be used in the sun.

Hypopigmentation

Bergamot oil has been used to treat hypopigmentation and increase skin tanning.

Never use bergamot oil if you have dark spots on the skin because it can worsen or even cause hyperpigmentation!

Bergamot oil makes the skin extremely sensitive to UV radiation, which means the chances of suffering a sunburn on the skin are increased while using it.

It stimulates melanocytes to make the pigment melanin- leading to pigmentation.

Many perfumes and colognes containing bergamot have been observed to cause discoloration on people’s necks after prolonged use in the sun.

This is one reason people are told to apply perfumes) and colognes to clothing and not directly to the skin.

This is one of the most common causes of darkness in the beard area because it is found in many aftershave products!

Developing dark spots or other kinds of hyperpigmentation from wearing plant extracts in the sun is called phytophotodermatitis.

Vitiligo

It has been used to treat vitiligo for decades because it increases the melanin production of melanocytes when they are exposed to UV radiation. (6,10)

(UVA is a frequent treatment of vitiligo- or is was before we had lasers for that.)

When you have vitiligo, one goal is to tan the light depigmented part of the skin. Bergamot greatly increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.

Oil of Bergamot is among the most effective natural treatments for vitiligo, but is should be used with caution to prevent skin burning.

Always wash your hands after applying to the depigmented area so you do not burn unintended areas of the skin.

Wounds

Many of the active compounds in bergamot oil have demonstrated wound healing effects in different conditions.

The 3 most significant compounds in bergamot for wound healing are:

Limonene

Linalyl acetate

Linalool

Bergamot and the sun

Side effects

Even though bergamot is a popular and natural ingredient, there are some possible side effects to keep in mind.

Bergamot is a common allergen and irritant on many peoples’ skin.

Bergamot oil increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation, which means a higher likelihood of sunburns and sun damage.

Never use it on the sun unless you are using it to treat vitiligo under the care of a dermatologist.

It can worsen hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma.

Is bergamot oil safe?

Unless you have a particular allergy or wear it in the sun, it is safe.

The EWG rating for bergamot is “3-5 depending on usage,” which means it is not particularly safe for all people.

The primary factor in this low safety score is that bergamot is a common allergen.

In 2022, a study found that natural preparations containing bergamot, orange, and clove essential oils do not significantly change the skin in any negative way, and are safe for topical use. (13)

That being said, the oil has a high chance of sunburn and skin pigmentation if left on the skin in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. It is safe as part of a cleanser and similar products because they are washed off before going outside.

To be sure bergamot is both safe and best for your personal skin type, take our quiz to shop by your Baumann Skin Type.

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What kind of oil is bergamot

What kind of oil is bergamot oil?

Bergamot oil is derived from a fruit, meaning it is a plant oil. It also carries a strong fragrance and is considered an essential oil.

Though some essential oils can contain various kinds of lipids, bergamot have no active fatty acids. This means bergamot is not a true lipid-based oil.

Bergamot is an essential oil primarily composed of various terpenes that imbue smell, flavor, and different effects depending on the specific compounds.

Active compounds

The most significant active ingredient in bergamot is bergapten, a terpene associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer behaviors. (4)

Bergapten has also been studied to alleviate significant psoriatic lesions, treating vitiligo, and it is effective in hypolipemic therapy. (5,6,7)

Bergapten is also known as 5-methoxypsoralen. (4) Psoralens are well known to increase the risk of sunburn by making skin sun sensitive.

Fresh juice from bergamot have been analyzed as possessing a few main active compounds such as: (19)

Monoterpenes (limonene)

Linalool

Pigments

Waxes

Coumarins

Psoralenes

Which types of products use bergamot oil?

Because bergamot is so versatile in its active compounds it is used for many skin conditions and concerns.

It can be found in many product types such as:

Cleansers

Face oils

Retinoid serums

Vitiligo treatments

Bergamot oil is not right for everybody, so when you’re shopping for bergamot oil products be sure to look for your skin type octagon on the product page!

Here are some of our favorite skin care products containing bergamot oil.

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Our articles are all written independently; that means no big companies telling us which products we have to promote. Our recommendations are based on decades of professional experience in research trials and clinical practice.

Our goal is first and foremost to give you the facts and help you find the perfect products and regimen for your individual skin type.

If you enjoyed this blog, here are some similar blogs on plant oils in skin care you might also like:

Borage seed oil

Coconut oil

Evening primrose oil

Jojoba oil

Licorice extract

Rose oil

Rosehip oil

Tea tree oil

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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