Bergamot Essential Oil Benefit for Skin and Aromatherapy

Bergamot Essential Oil is a fresh-scented plant extract with numerous biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stress-relieving effects. It is a wonderful addition to skincare routines and aromatherapeutic applications for anyone looking to add a natural and holistic ingredient to their daily regimen. 

This article will explore what Bergamot Essential Oil is and its various benefits, as well as answer some common questions about this essential oil.

What Is Bergamot Essential Oil?

Bergamot Essential Oil, scientifically named Citrus bergamia, is a versatile oil in aromatherapy and natural health remedies. It is extracted from the bergamot fruit, which is a citrus fruit native to Italy. The oil has a distinct citrusy scent and is often used in perfumes, cosmetic formulations, and personal care products.

Bergamot Essential Oil is obtained through steam distillation of the peel of the bergamot fruit. This method of extraction involves heating the rind of the fruit with water and collecting the oil from the condensation produced. Steam distillation ensures the oil's natural fragrance and therapeutic properties are still present. The oil is rich in a variety of natural compounds, including limonene and linalool, which are known for their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

One of the common uses of Bergamot Essential Oil is in aromatherapy. The oil is typically used to promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety and stress. Its uplifting and refreshing aroma may help balance emotions and soothe the mind.

Bergamot Essential Oil is also used in skincare products due to its natural antibacterial properties. In addition, the oil may help reduce inflammation and promote overall skin health. It is often used in natural remedies to help treat skin conditions, including psoriasis and acne.

Top Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot Essential Oil is a gentle and natural addition to your skincare and aromatherapy routines. With its many bioactive components, this oil has various beneficial properties to support your skin and mental health. Here are the top science-backed benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil.

β-Pinene May Have Antimicrobial Activity

β-pinene is an organic compound that is found in Bergamot Essential Oil. It belongs to the monoterpene family and is a phytochemical that has many biological properties. One of the properties of β-pinene is its ability to protect plants against external stressors. Recent studies have shown that β-pinene may also have antimicrobial activity.

β-pinene may be effective against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus aureus bacteria, as well as some yeast strains. Escherichia coli is a common bacterium that is found in the human gut, and Streptococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in humans, including skin infections.

The antimicrobial properties of β-pinene may have implications in many industries, including cosmetics and cleaning products. Preserving cosmetic formulations is a challenge due to microbial contamination, which can lead to spoilage and degradation of the product. β-pinene may be used as a natural preservative in cosmetics, potentially replacing synthetic preservatives that can be harmful to the skin and the environment.

Similarly, β-pinene may be used in natural cleaning agents to kill bacteria and fungi that can cause infections. This can reduce the need for harsh chemicals that are commonly found in cleaning products, which could be harmful to human health.

Linalool Has Possible Anxiolytic Effects

Linalool is a natural compound found in Bergamot Essential Oil. It is one of the most abundant components of some essential oils, making up about 70% of the composition of some oils. Linalool is known to have a positive effect on the central nervous system when inhaled.

Mental health concerns, including anxiety and chronic stress, can impact people's daily lives and limit their psychosocial functions. Traditional treatments for these conditions involve drugs that may have harmful side effects, leading many people to explore natural options.

Anxiolytic treatments work by acting on the monoaminergic system to regulate neurotransmitter production in the brain. Linalool, when inhaled, may also act on the central nervous system to influence the production of neurotransmitters, ultimately leading to a better mood. The potential benefits of linalool in aromatherapy have been studied extensively.

One study involving 24 participants who inhaled linalool resulted in a decrease in cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate variation. This demonstrates the potential of linalool to positively impact the central nervous system and help manage symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for mental and physical ailments. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy for their potential to manage a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The use of linalool-rich essential oils in aromatherapy may provide a natural and safer alternative to traditional treatments.

Linalyl Acetate May Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Linalyl acetate is closely related to linalool and is present in various essential oils, including Clary Sage, Lavender, and Bergamot Essential Oil. It is also found in certain teas, such as Earl Grey tea. This natural compound has gained popularity in recent years because of its potential therapeutic properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects.

One of the benefits of linalyl acetate is its ability to reduce inflammation, which makes it an ideal candidate for treating chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that affects the skin and results in the formation of scaly, red patches on the skin. Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition marked by red bumps as a result of clogged pores.

Studies have shown that linalyl acetate has a significant impact on reducing inflammation in the skin. In one study, researchers found that linalyl acetate lowered levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the skin of mice with psoriasis. These two cytokines are known to play a role in the formation of the scaly patches. By reducing their levels, linalyl acetate may relieve some of the symptoms associated with psoriasis.

In another study, researchers found that linalyl acetate lowered IL-6 levels in mice. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is also associated with chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis and acne. By reducing IL-6 levels, linalyl acetate may help relieve skin inflammation and decrease the severity of symptoms associated with these conditions.

As Bergamot Essential Oil is a natural source of linalyl acetate, it can be a great addition to your skincare regimen when appropriately diluted. Its potential therapeutic properties make it a promising natural solution for individuals with chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

Limonene Has Potential Antioxidant Properties

Limonene is a natural compound that is found in citrus fruits and essential oils, including Bergamot Essential Oil. As part of the monoterpenoid family of compounds, limonene plays a significant role in the unique scent of bergamot. Limonene also possesses antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for the skin.

A study conducted to evaluate the antioxidant effects of limonene used six different methods to determine its effectiveness in reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed that limonene was successful in reducing the formation of ROS using a variety of mechanisms, including converting unstable molecules to more stable forms.

ROS are very reactive molecules that can cause damage to skin cells. When ROS levels are high, they can cause oxidative stress, leading to premature aging and inflammation. ROS can be created by various sources, including environmental pollutants and UV radiation.

These findings suggest that Bergamot Essential Oil, which contains limonene, may be a promising natural solution for preventing premature aging in the skin. By reducing ROS formation, limonene can help prevent oxidative stress, which is one of the main contributors to skin aging. This makes it a great addition to skincare products, especially for individuals looking for natural alternatives to traditional skincare products.

Coumarins Have Several Benefits for the Skin

Coumarins are potent natural compounds found in many plants and their extracts in varying concentrations. They are also responsible for the bitter flavor of some fruits. Coumarins are considered secondary metabolites, specialized compounds in plants that support their structure and function and fight against herbivores, pollutants, and microbes. Specifically, they are phytochemicals, biologically active compounds in plants and plant oils.

Coumarins exhibit several pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. There are several coumarin compounds, each displaying some or all of these beneficial properties. In a few studies, some coumarins were found effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, including Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus, which may cause skin infections. 

The antimicrobial activity of these coumarins may be beneficial in skin care products and natural cleaning agents. Adding Bergamot Essential Oil to cosmetic formulations may prevent bacterial contamination. The oil may also be effective in cleaning solutions to replace harsher chemical disinfectants that could harm the skin and environment.

Coumarins also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity as a result of two mechanisms of action. The first way in which coumarins work to reduce inflammation is by decreasing the production of COX-2, which is an enzyme associated with the inflammatory response. This is especially useful in patients with rosacea, as many of the treatments to reduce facial flushing involve COX-2 inhibitors. Therefore, the coumarins present in Bergamot Essential Oil may be a natural alternative to these treatments that may have adverse side effects. 

The second way coumarins reduce inflammation is by lowering the production of iNOS, which stands for inducible oxide nitric synthase. iNOS is released by inflammatory cytokines to help drive the inflammatory process. The reduction of iNOS may be beneficial in those coping with inflammatory skin conditions, reducing facial redness and evening out the skin tone.

Coumarins also display antioxidant properties, as they may scavenge free radicals generated by UV rays. This may have implications in skincare products as a natural way to fight against premature aging and skin pigmentation that is caused by free radical molecules.

Bergamot Essential Oil Q&A

Below are some questions and answers about the safety, uses, and storage of Bergamot Essential Oil.

Are There Side Effects of Using Bergamot Essential Oil?

Bergamot Essential Oil is a completely natural, plant-derived extract. As it has no synthetic additives or chemicals in the formulation, this oil is generally safe for topical use. However, it is important to mention that Bergamot Essential Oil must be properly diluted with a carrier oil as it is concentrated and may cause burns or skin irritation if used directly. You can add 3-4 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil to approximately 30 mL of a carrier oil of your choice, such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil, for adequate dilution.

As with all cosmetic formulations and personal care products, there is a chance of skin sensitivity that can occur. Therefore, it is also recommended to do a patch test before widespread application of this oil. 

To complete this, dilute Bergamot Essential Oil with a carrier oil. Apply a small portion of this mixture to the back of your ear or the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours, ensuring to monitor the site for any adverse reactions. If there is no redness or irritation after the 24-hour period, you can apply the rest of the mixture to your face or body as needed.

What Is Bergamot FCF Essential Oil?

Bergamot FCF stands for Bergamot Essential Oil that is furocoumarin free. Furocoumarins are natural extracts found in the peel of the bergamot fruit. One type of furocoumarin is known as bergapten, which may have phototoxic effects. Phototoxicity involves an adverse reaction that occurs to the skin or body in response to light exposure. 

To ensure that the oil is safe for topical use, this furocoumarin is removed during the manufacturing process using physical or chemical methods.

How Can I Use Bergamot Essential Oil?

As mentioned, Bergamot Essential Oil has a multitude of beneficial uses due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, as well as its potential anxiolytic effects. Below are a few ways to use this oil in your skincare and cleaning routines and aromatherapy sessions.

Massage Blends

Bergamot Essential Oil is perfect for massage blends due to its uplifting and refreshing aroma. You can mix a few drops of this oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, and massage it into your skin to help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. You can also add other essential oils to the mix to create customized blends that suit your mood. 

Skincare Formulations

Bergamot Essential Oil can be added to skincare formulations, like toners, serums, and moisturizers, to help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. It may also help to even out the skin tone. Add 1-2 drops to your favorite skincare products and apply as normal.

Diffuser Blends

Bergamot Essential Oil can be used in diffuser blends to help create a calming and uplifting atmosphere in your home. It combines well with other essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and frankincense to help reduce stress and improve mood. 

Simply add a few drops of Bergamot Essential Oil with other oils of your choice to a diffuser, and place it in your living room or office area for an energizing aroma.

DIY Cleaning Products

Bergamot Essential Oil can be added to DIY cleaning products like all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergents for its antimicrobial properties and fresh scent. It may help kill germs and bacteria and leave your home smelling fresh.

How Should Bergamot Essential Oil Be Stored?

Bergamot Essential Oil should always be stored in a dark, glass bottle to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, as this can degrade the natural compounds in the essential oil. The bottle should also be placed in a cool, dry place to avoid humidity and maintain the shelf life of the product. 

If you are mixing Bergamot Essential Oil with a carrier oil or into skincare formulations, it's best to create smaller batches as needed and store them in opaque containers to minimize exposure to light and air.

Can Bergamot Essential Oil Be Used for Hair Care?

Bergamot Essential Oil's antimicrobial properties make it a promising ingredient for hair care formulations or scalp massage blends. This essential oil may help reduce dandruff and promote hair health, although further research is needed in this area.

Key Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits

Bergamot Essential Oil is a natural remedy that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to its various benefits for the skin and overall wellness. Some of the benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil include its anxiolytic properties, making it a great choice for relieving stress and anxiety. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects also make it a promising ingredient in various skincare formulations or scalp massage blends. 

Always invest in high-quality oil to ensure you get the best results. Wholesale Botanics carries Bergamot Essential Oil that is carefully obtained from the peel of the bergamot fruit. The oil is thoroughly tested to ensure it retains its natural, citrus scent and unique composition and benefits, and we provide a Certificate of Analysis that validates its quality and our commitment to a high-quality product.