Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil
Cold-pressed bergamot peel oil contains 5-methoxypsoralen (bergapten), a potent phototoxic furocoumarin that has caused severe phytophotodermatitis on skin exposure. EU Regulation 1334/2008 limits psoralens in beverages, and the IFRA limits topical bergapten to 0.0015%.
What it is
INCI/cosmetic name for bergamot peel essential oil obtained by cold-pressing the rind of Citrus bergamia; rich in linalyl acetate, linalool, and furocoumarins.
Used both as a flavoring (food-grade) and as a fragrance in cosmetics; the cosmetic INCI form is the same molecule.
Why it's flagged
- bergapten phototoxicity (topical)
- 5-MOP carcinogenicity at high UV co-exposure
- hepatic CYP3A4 inhibition
What regulators actually say
"Bergamot (Citrus aurantium L. subsp. bergamia)... essential oils, oleoresins... are generally recognized as safe."
"Bergamot oil is a well-known cause of phytophotodermatitis due to its content of 5-methoxypsoralen (bergapten)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as natural flavor (bergamot oil, expressed; 21 CFR 182.20).
European Union — EFSA
Authorised; furocoumarins restricted under Regulation (EC) 1334/2008 Annex III.
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