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Limonene

Major component in citrus oils; oxidizes to allergens — regulated under EU Regulation 2023/1545 (expansion of declarable fragrance allergens from 26 to 81+).

Pre-hapten: oxidizes on air exposure to Limonene hydroperoxides — stronger sensitizers. Store cool, dark, and use antioxidants where appropriate.

CAS Number

5989-27-5

EC Number

227-813-5

INCI Name

LIMONENE

Status

Declarable

Declaration thresholds (EU 2023/1545)

Leave-on products

0.100%

= 10 mg/kg (10 ppm)

Rinse-off products

1.00%

= 100 mg/kg (100 ppm)

Limonene must be separately declared in the ingredient list (INCI) when its concentration in the finished product exceeds these values. Below the threshold, no separate mention is required.

Essential oils containing Limonene

Typical concentration ranges (of the oil itself, not the finished product):

Lavender Oil0.1–1%Lemon Oil55–75%Bergamot Oil30–45%Sweet Orange Oil90–96%Grapefruit Oil88–95%Peppermint Oil1–5%Tea Tree Oil0.5–4%Eucalyptus Oil3–12%Chamomile German Oil0.1–1%Chamomile Roman Oil0.1–1%Frankincense Oil5–15%Myrrh Oil0.1–1%Cedarwood Atlas Oil0.1–1%Cedarwood Virginian Oil0.1–1%Geranium Oil0.1–1%Palmarosa Oil0.5–3%Vetiver Oil0.1–1%Rosemary Oil1–5%Thyme Oil (Red)0.5–3%Neroli Oil10–25%Petitgrain Oil5–15%

Example: at 1.5% lavender oil in a leave-on cream with linalool at up to 45%, the product contains up to ~0.68% linalool — far above the 0.001% threshold, so it must be declared.

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Limonene — FAQ

When does Limonene need to be declared on a cosmetic label?

Under EU Regulation 2023/1545, Limonene must be listed separately in the ingredient declaration (INCI) when its concentration in the finished product exceeds 0.100% in leave-on products or 1.00% in rinse-off products.

Which essential oils contain Limonene?

Limonene naturally occurs in: Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil, Bergamot Oil, Sweet Orange Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Chamomile German Oil, Chamomile Roman Oil, Frankincense Oil, Myrrh Oil, Cedarwood Atlas Oil, Cedarwood Virginian Oil, Geranium Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Vetiver Oil, Rosemary Oil, Thyme Oil (Red), Neroli Oil, Petitgrain Oil. Typical concentration ranges in these oils vary — always confirm with a supplier IFRA certificate or GC/MS report.

Does Limonene oxidize?

Yes. Limonene is a pre-hapten: on air exposure it oxidizes to Limonene hydroperoxides, which are stronger sensitizers. Fresh product and antioxidant-stabilized formulations reduce this risk.

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