Bergamot oil, furocoumarin free (CAS 68648-33-9) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

Bergamot oil, furocoumarin free

CAS 68648-33-9

Origin
natural
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Bergamot oil, furocoumarin free?

Bergamot oil, furocoumarin-free, is a citrus essential oil derived from the rind of bergamot oranges. It’s commonly found in perfumes, colognes, and aromatherapy products. This version is specially processed to remove furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity, making it safer for skincare and sun-exposed applications.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for allergen labeling
CAS
68648-33-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Bergamot oil, furocoumarin free Smell Like?

Bergamot oil, furocoumarin-free, opens with a bright, zesty citrus burst reminiscent of fresh-peeled oranges with a hint of lemon. The heart reveals a delicate floral undertone, like orange blossoms kissed by sunlight. The dry-down is smooth and slightly sweet, with a whisper of herbal freshness that lingers softly on the skin.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Sauvage(Dior, 1966)

Bergamot oil provides the vibrant citrus top note that defines this classic cologne, blending with rosemary and basil for a fresh, masculine opening.

Acqua di Parma Colonia(Acqua di Parma, 1916)

Bergamot oil is the star of this iconic Italian cologne, offering a sparkling citrus opening that pairs with lavender and rosemary.

Chanel No. 5(Chanel, 1921)

Bergamot oil adds a bright citrus lift to the floral-aldehyde bouquet, enhancing its freshness and complexity.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Bergamot oil, furocoumarin-free, is primarily composed of limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool. The removal of furocoumarins like bergapten involves molecular distillation or selective extraction, ensuring phototoxicity is eliminated while preserving the oil’s aromatic profile. This makes it suitable for broader applications in cosmetics and fragrances.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point175-180 °C
Density0.876-0.881 g/cm³
Refractive Index1.464-1.468

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
High (30-90 min)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance5-10%Up to 20%Bright citrus top note
Aromatherapy1-2%Up to 5%Calming and uplifting
Skincare0.5-1%Up to 2%Avoid photosensitivity

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in citrus and floral accords to add brightness and lift.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Lemon Oil CAS 8008-56-8

A sharper citrus alternative when a more intense lemon note is desired.

2
Lime Oil CAS 8008-26-2

For a greener, more tart citrus profile in place of bergamot.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions for furocoumarin-free bergamot oil.

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene and linalool, which require allergen labeling in the EU.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has assessed furocoumarin-free bergamot oil as safe for use in fragrances.

Sustainability

Bergamot oil is sustainably sourced from orchards in Calabria, Italy. The furocoumarin-free process reduces waste by utilizing the entire fruit, and the oil is often certified organic.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Bergamot Oil PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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