Exploring Bergamot Oil: Skincare Benefits and Sun Sensitivity Risks

Bergamot Oil in Skin Care: A Complete Guide to Benefits, Risks, and Uses

Bergamot oil is an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare, celebrated for its unique properties.

Derived from the citrus fruit Citrus bergamia, it has been valued since the 18th century in perfumes and cosmetics. But is it right for your skin? Let’s dive deep.

What Is Bergamot?

Bergamot is a green, wrinkled citrus fruit native to the Mediterranean coast. Often called sour orange, it is likely a hybrid of lemons and bitter oranges.

This fruit’s essential oil carries a fresh, sweet aroma that makes it a favorite in perfumes, candles, and colognes.

Interestingly, bergamot oil is also the key flavor in Earl Grey tea, giving it that distinct citrusy twist.

Beyond fragrance, this oil is prized for its potential skin benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How Is Bergamot Oil Extracted?

Bergamot oil is extracted mainly by cold pressing the peel and pulp of the fruit. This method preserves its natural compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

The oil is typically left unrefined to keep these active ingredients intact.

Because of its rich antioxidant content, bergamot oil has a long shelf life compared to many other essential oils. This makes it an attractive addition to various cosmetic and skincare products.

Key Benefits of Bergamot Oil for Skin

Bergamot oil is unique because, unlike many oils, it contains no lipids or fatty acids. Instead, it boasts many beneficial compounds that offer a wide range of skincare benefits:

Anti-inflammatory: It helps soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

Antioxidant: Protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Sebum Regulation: Can reduce excess oil production.

Collagen Stimulation: Supports skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Melanocyte Activation: Helps increase melanin production.

Skin Lightening and Wound Healing: Encourages skin repair and can lighten certain areas.

Studies even suggest bergamot oil might reduce blood pressure and improve mood, though these effects need more research.

Bergamot Oil and Acne

Acne-prone skin may benefit from bergamot oil. Its antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria. Plus, it regulates sebum, which is a common culprit in acne.

Many acne cleansers include bergamot oil because it’s safer to use in rinse-off products. Applying bergamot oil leave-on treatments before sun exposure is risky due to photosensitivity.

Research on hamsters showed bergamot oil slowed the growth of sebaceous glands, suggesting it can reduce oiliness.

While bergamot helps, stronger treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide are more effective for severe acne.

Aging Skin and Bergamot Oil

Aging skin loses collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Bergamot oil may stimulate collagen production, helping the skin appear firmer and more youthful.

One study noted increased collagen synthesis with bergamot use.

Though it supports anti-aging, bergamot oil is not as potent as specialized anti-aging ingredients like retinol or peptides.

Still, it can be a natural addition to your skincare routine for mild anti-aging benefits.

Bergamot Oil for Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes inflamed, scaly skin patches. Bergamot oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce these plaques and soothe irritation.

A review of 31 studies found bergamot oil effective against psoriasis symptoms. Since it lacks moisturizing fatty acids, it’s best paired with hydrating oils or creams to prevent dryness.

Fighting Inflammation with Bergamot

Inflammation is a root cause of many skin issues, from acne to eczema. Bergamot oil is one of the few essential oils shown to inhibit inflammatory proteins and promote wound healing.

A 2017 study found bergamot oil slowed inflammation better than most oils tested, making it a natural choice for calming irritated skin.

Bergamot Oil and Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is the loss of skin color, seen in conditions like vitiligo. Bergamot oil stimulates melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, to help restore pigmentation.

This oil is frequently used in vitiligo treatments, especially alongside UV therapy. However, it increases skin sensitivity to sunlight and must be used cautiously to avoid burns.

Important: Avoid using bergamot oil if you have dark spots or melasma, as it can worsen hyperpigmentation.

Sun Sensitivity and Risks

Bergamot oil contains psoralens, compounds that increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. This makes sunburns more likely if you expose skin treated with bergamot oil to sunlight.

Many people experience dark patches or discoloration, especially on the neck or beard area, due to prolonged sun exposure combined with bergamot in perfumes or aftershaves. This reaction is called phytophotodermatitis.

Always apply bergamot-containing products in the evening or ensure they are rinsed off before sun exposure to avoid these risks.

Using Bergamot Oil for Vitiligo

Vitiligo causes white patches of skin due to loss of pigment. Treatment often involves stimulating pigment production and controlled UV exposure.

Bergamot oil has been used for decades to support pigment restoration in vitiligo patients because it increases melanin synthesis when combined with UVA light.

Due to its sun-sensitizing effect, vitiligo treatment with bergamot oil should be supervised by a dermatologist to avoid burns or unwanted pigmentation changes.

Bergamot Oil for Wound Healing

Certain compounds in bergamot oil promote wound healing. These include limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool, all of which exhibit antimicrobial and skin-repairing properties.

Wounds treated with bergamot oil may heal faster, and the oil can reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

Side Effects and Safety

Despite its many benefits, bergamot oil is a common skin allergen and irritant for some people. Always patch test before use.

Sun sensitivity is the biggest risk. Using bergamot oil on skin exposed to sunlight increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Avoid bergamot oil if you have melasma or other hyperpigmentation disorders, as it can worsen discoloration.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates bergamot oil between 3-5, reflecting some safety concerns depending on usage and individual sensitivity.

A 2022 study confirmed that bergamot, combined with other citrus oils, is generally safe for topical use if not left on skin in the sun.

What Kind of Oil Is Bergamot?

Bergamot oil is a plant-derived essential oil, rich in terpenes. Unlike many oils, it contains no fatty acids or lipids, so it does not moisturize the skin like traditional oils.

Its main active compound is bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen), a terpene linked to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects but also to increased sun sensitivity.

Other active compounds include limonene, linalool, coumarins, and waxes.

Which Products Contain Bergamot Oil?

Thanks to its versatile properties, bergamot oil is found in a wide range of skincare products, including:

Cleansers, Face oils, Retinoid serums, Vitiligo treatments, Perfumes and colognes

If you want to try bergamot oil, look for products labeled with your skin type for best results.

Final Thoughts

Bergamot oil is a potent, natural ingredient with many skincare benefits. It fights inflammation, regulates oil, supports aging skin, and helps treat pigment disorders like vitiligo.

However, it also increases sun sensitivity and may cause irritation in some users. Use it carefully, avoid sun exposure after application, and always patch test new products.

To see if bergamot oil suits your skin, try our Baumann Skin Type quiz. This helps you find products matched to your unique needs and skin concerns.

If you enjoyed this deep dive into bergamot oil, check out these other popular plant oils in skincare:

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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