Bergamot oil (post treated) (CAS 68917-80-6) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Bergamot oil (post treated)
CAS 68917-80-6
What Is Bergamot oil (post treated)?
Bergamot oil (post-treated) is a citrus essential oil primarily derived from the rind of bergamot oranges. People encounter it in Earl Grey tea, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. The post-treatment process removes phototoxic compounds, making it safer for skin contact. This oil matters because it provides the iconic bright, fresh top note in countless fragrances while eliminating the sun sensitivity issues of untreated bergamot oil. Its unique citrus-floral character is irreplaceable in perfumery.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Bergamot oil (post treated) Smell Like?
Bergamot oil bursts with a radiant citrus sparkle – like biting into a perfectly ripe orange crossed with a lemon, but softer and more complex. The initial zesty punch mellows into a delicate floral heart with hints of lavender-like herbaceousness and a whisper of spicy warmth. Unlike other citrus oils, bergamot maintains its presence well into the dry-down, leaving a polished, slightly bitter orange peel character that blends beautifully with woody and floral notes. The post-treated version retains all the aromatic charm while being gentler on the skin.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Bergamot forms the sunlit opening of this classic, blending with rosemary and basil for a crisp, aromatic citrus effect that defines the modern cologne accord.
Post-treated bergamot provides the sparkling top note in this iconic Italian cologne, combining with lavender and rosemary for timeless freshness.
Bergamot oil creates the radiant citrus opening in this historic cologne, demonstrating its longevity as a perfumery staple.
Bergamot’s bright character helps create the unisex appeal of this fragrance, blending with pineapple and green notes for a contemporary citrus opening.
Bergamot provides the sun-drenched Italian character to this fresh fragrance, pairing with Sicilian cedar for a Mediterranean summer effect.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Bergamot oil is a complex mixture containing over 300 compounds, with the major constituents being limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool. The post-treatment process typically involves distillation or molecular distillation to remove phototoxic furocoumarins like bergapten (5-MOP) while preserving the aromatic profile. Cold-pressed bergamot oil contains approximately 0.3-0.4% bergapten, which is reduced to <0.001% in the post-treated version. The characteristic aroma comes from a delicate balance of monoterpenes (limonene, γ-terpinene), esters (linalyl acetate), and oxygenated compounds (linalool, nerol).
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to greenish liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 175-180 °C (main components) |
| Flash Point | ~62 °C |
| Density | 0.875-0.880 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.465-1.470 |
| Optical Rotation | +8° to +24° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.23 | 175 | 4.3 | 1.5 mmHg |
| Linalyl acetate | 115-95-7 | 196.29 | 220 | 3.3 | 0.1 mmHg |
| Linalool | 78-70-6 | 154.25 | 198 | 2.7 | 0.16 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 5-15% | Up to 20% | Primary citrus top note in colognes |
| Cosmetics | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Adds freshness to skincare products |
| Aromatherapy | 1-2% | Up to 5% | Used for its uplifting properties |
| Flavor | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Key component in Earl Grey tea flavoring |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with lavender and oakmoss for an instant fougère structure, then build complexity with spice or floral notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar to post-treated but guaranteed 0% furocoumarins through selective extraction processes, preferred for maximum safety in leave-on products.
Offers a sharper citrus alternative without phototoxicity concerns, though lacks bergamot’s floral complexity.
For formulations needing a lemon-like citrus character with more tenacity, though much less nuanced than whole bergamot oil.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
IFRA unrestricted when bergapten content is below 0.001% (post-treated). Regular bergamot oil is restricted to 0.4% in leave-on products due to phototoxicity (IFRA 49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥0.001%) and linalool (≥0.001%) which must be declared under EU allergen labeling regulations when present above threshold levels in finished products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms bergamot oil (furocoumarin-free) as safe for use in fragrance at current levels when properly processed to remove phototoxic compounds.
Sustainability
Bergamot oil is primarily sourced from Calabria, Italy, where the microclimate produces the highest quality fruit. Sustainable practices include integrated pest management and water conservation. The post-treatment process adds energy requirements but eliminates waste from phototoxic oil. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full complexity of natural bergamot. Recent initiatives focus on improving yield per tree to reduce land use impact.
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References
- Dugo, G. et al. (2011). Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Oil. In Essential Oils in Food Preservation, Flavor and Safety. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-416641-7.00025-1
- IFRA Standards (2021). 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice. IFRA Standards
- PubChem Compound Summary for Limonene CID 22311
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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