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D-Limonene

What D-Limonene is & what it does

D-Limonene is a naturally occurring terpene found in the peels of citrus fruits and is the main component of orange oil. In cosmetics it is used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent, giving products a fresh citrus scent. It is a known fragrance allergen for some people and can oxidize over time, so it is usually declared on labels where required.

Is D-Limonene safe in skincare?

D-Limonene is widely used as a fragrance ingredient and is permitted in cosmetics, but it is a recognized fragrance allergen for some people. It can also oxidize over time, which may increase the chance of irritation in sensitive individuals. Those prone to fragrance sensitivity may prefer to avoid it or patch test first.

Is D-Limonene natural or synthetic?

D-Limonene is naturally occurring and is found in the peels of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. It can be extracted from citrus oils, though synthesized versions also exist for industrial use.

What does D-Limonene do in skincare?

In cosmetics D-Limonene is used mainly as a fragrance ingredient and solvent, giving products a fresh citrus scent. It can also help dissolve other ingredients in a formula.

Sunscreens with D-Limonene

We rate 17 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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