5.2% of skin-allergy clinic patients reacted to oxidized limonene, grapefruit oil's main component
Bråred Christensson 2013 · Source
Grapefruit
Citrus paradisi peel oil · cold-pressed
A bright, clean citrus top note that lifts the Body Oil's warmer notes of sandalwood and black pepper. In a scent study, grapefruit had an energizing effect.
1.5–2.5×rise in an alertness marker when breathing grapefruit scent
Cold-pressedfrom the fruit's peel
IFRAused within fragrance-safety limits
Why we love it
Grapefruit lifts the Body Oil's warmer notes of sandalwood and black pepper with a clean citrus top note.
What does the research show?
Scent and alertness
In a study of healthy adults by a Japanese cosmetics lab, breathing grapefruit oil raised a marker of the body's "alert" nervous system activity 1.5 to 2.5 times compared with an unscented control. Rose oil had the opposite, calming effect.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Grapefruit scent raised alertness-related nervous system activity vs an unscented control
Haze 2002, Jpn J Pharmacol · Source
Limits sun-sensitizing furocoumarins (bergapten) to 15 parts per million in leave-on products for sun-exposed skin
IFRA standard, via supplier data sheet · Source
Grapefruit peel oil was active against every organism tested, including Staph aureus, E. coli and Candida albicans
Mohammed 2024, Int J Microbiol · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
Grapefruit oil is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy as an uplifting scent. Its use in leave-on skin products is governed by IFRA standards.
Is grapefruit oil safe on my skin?
Grapefruit makes up a small share of the Body Oil, within fragrance-safety (IFRA) limits. Cold-pressed citrus oils contain natural compounds that can make skin more sensitive to sun, so if your skin burns easily, apply the Body Oil in the evening or to skin you'll keep covered. Citrus oils can also cause allergy as they age, so store the bottle closed, away from heat and light. Keep essential-oil products off mucous membranes and broken skin.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research