Bergamot Oil Worst Fragrance Synthetic and Natural No known benefits Bergamot Oil at a glance Oil from the Citrus bergamia fruit Used mainly as a fragrance and flavor additive Can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Well known to cause skin irritation when exposed to UV light Contains volatile compounds linalool and limonene Bergamot Oil description Bergamot oil is the cold-pressed oil from a type of fruit, _Citrus bergamia_, native to Italy. Bergamot is also known as the bergamot orange or sour orange. Its oil is used as a fragrance and flavor additive, such as in Earl Grey tea and various perfumes. When it comes to its application in skin care, bergamot oil is mainly chosen as a fragrance ingredient. While this oil – like many essential oils – has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities thanks to its plant-derived origin, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Bergamot oil contains a high amount of volatile compounds – including limonene and linalool – that are phototoxic. That means when it’s applied topically and skin is exposed to UV light, it causes a sensitized response called photo contact dermatitis. In some cases, it can cause painful, reddened skin that mimics a severe burn reaction. In fact, this reaction is so well-known that the International Fragrance Association limits the use of bergamot oil to 0.4% in leave-on products. In short, the potential damage bergamot oil can cause to skin makes it an ingredient to avoid in any leave-on skin care product. Instead, enjoy its aroma from a scented candle or oil diffuser. Related ingredients: Limonene Linalool