Linalool leads, linalyl acetate varies
LaboratoryLinalool represents 43.2 to 66.0%, linalyl acetate 0.8 to 24.8% and α-terpineol 9.3 to 12.1%. The largest number of compounds is observed in summer oils4.
Petitgrain bigarade essential oil
Petitgrain bigarade is the volatile oil obtained from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium var. amara1. It is rich in linalool (43.2 to 66.0% depending on the harvest season)4. It is not named in Annex III under its INCI, but linalool and linalyl acetate are3; EFSA judges it irritating and sensitizing6.
Petitgrain bigarade at a glance
Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database1 and from Regulations (EU) 2023/15452 and 1223/2009 consolidated3. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.
- INCI name
- CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA LEAF/TWIG OILUS INCI name: CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) LEAF/TWIG OIL1
- Other names
- Petitgrain bigarade essential oilPetitgrain bigarade, bitter orange leaf/twig oil. Not to be confused with the flower oil (neroli) or the peel oil of the bitter orange tree, two other INCI names1
- CAS number
- 68916-04-1 / 72968-50-4Both CAS numbers also appear in lines 350 (flowers) and 351 (peel) of Annex III2
- EC number
- 277-143-2Linked to CAS 72968-50-4; no EC number for CAS 68916-04-11
- Botanical origin
- Bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara, Rutaceae)CosIng: volatile oil obtained from the leaves and twigs1
- Composition
- Linalool, linalyl acetate, α-terpineolLinalool from 43.2 to 66.0%, linalyl acetate from 0.8 to 24.8%, α-terpineol from 9.3 to 12.1% depending on harvest date4
- CosIng functions
- Fragrance, flavoring"Fragrance" and "Flavouring"1
- EU status
- Not named in Annex III under its INCIAnnex III names the flower oil (line 350) and the peel oil (line 351) of the bitter orange tree, not the leaf and twig oil. As the CAS numbers are shared, have the supplier confirm the scope2
- Allergen to declare
- Yes, through its constituentsLinalool (line 84), linalyl acetate (line 337) and limonene (line 88) are named: declare above 0.001% leave-on and 0.01% rinse-off3. For linalyl acetate, non-compliant products could be placed on the market until 31 July 2026 and may be made available until 31 July 20282
What the research says
Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.
Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory
Oil compositionChemistry
The distillation process changes the composition
LaboratoryMonoterpenes dominate, followed by sesquiterpenes. The steam-distilled oil shows the strongest antioxidant activity in the laboratory5.
Oxidation and contact allergiesToxicology
Irritating and sensitizing to skin
ReviewThe EFSA panel considers it irritating to skin, eyes and airways, and sensitizing. The opinion concerns animal feed6.
Linalyl acetate oxidizes and becomes more sensitizing
LaboratoryAt high purity, linalyl acetate is weakly sensitizing (EC3 of 25%). After 10 weeks of oxidation, its EC3 falls to 3.6%, a sign of stronger sensitizing potential8.
Linalool and limonene hydroperoxides
Clinical studyTests with oxidized linalool (1%) were positive in 483 people (8.8%), those with oxidized limonene (0.3%) in 170 (3.1%). Many reactions were weak, doubtful or irritant: risk of false positives9.
CIR assessment of citrus flowers and leaves
ReviewThe panel judges them safe in current practices of use if they are non-irritating and non-sensitizing, and is concerned about the presence of limonene and linalool hydroperoxides7.
Use on skinEvidence
No cosmetic clinical trial retained
ReviewThe 2018 review summarizes the biological activities and safety of the oils of several citrus fruits, including orange petitgrain10. We retained no robust cosmetic clinical trial on skin. The oils studied show weak antioxidant activity (IC50 above 10,000 mg/L)4: petitgrain remains first of all a fragrance ingredient1.
This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. Evidence is flagged by level: clinical trial, review or laboratory.
Which products can use petitgrain bigarade?
No formula in our white label catalog features petitgrain bigarade yet. Our formulation lab can add it to a custom formula or to a catalog formula. Its common uses:
Face
Fragrance in toners, serums and creams for normal to combination skin.
Body
Fragrance in shower gels, massage oils and body creams.
Hair
Fragrance in shampoos and hair sprays.
Petitgrain bigarade, sweet orange, lemon or litsea cubeba?
Four citrus or citrus-leaf scented oils often compared. Their chemistry differs, so does their labeling.
| Petitgrain bigarade | Sweet orange | Lemon | Litsea cubeba | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominant constituents | Linalool (43.2 to 66.0%), linalyl acetate, α-terpineol4 | Limonene, 73.9 to 97%11 | Limonene (60.7% in one analyzed oil)12 | Neral and geranial (citral), 78.7 to 87.4%13 |
| Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 | Oil not named under its INCI2 | Oil named (line 351)2 | Oil named (line 353)2 | Oil not named; citral named (line 70)3 |
| Carmel catalog formulas | None | 1 formula | 1 formula | None |
Frequently asked questions about petitgrain bigarade
What is petitgrain bigarade?
What are the benefits of petitgrain bigarade?
Do I have to declare petitgrain in the ingredient list?
The leaf and twig oil is not named in Annex III under its INCI: the annex names the flower oil (line 350) and the peel oil (line 351) of the bitter orange tree2. Its named constituents, such as linalool, linalyl acetate or limonene, must be declared above 0.001% in a leave-on product and 0.01% in a rinse-off product3. Have your supplier confirm the scope, since the CAS numbers are shared.
Is petitgrain bigarade allergenic?
What is the difference between petitgrain, neroli and bitter orange oil?
Is petitgrain bigarade photosensitizing?
Can you manufacture a petitgrain product for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab can add petitgrain to a catalog formula that you customize or to a custom formula. Samples are free.
Further reading
- Fragrance allergens 2026: Canada, EU, USA compliance checklist for white label brandsThe fragrance allergens to declare and what changes as the list is extended
- EU cosmetics regulations in 2026The European framework brands need to know in 2026
- Cosmetics labeling regulations: what changes for brandsThe labeling rules that affect the ingredient list
Sources
Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.
- European Commission. CosIng, entry CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA LEAF/TWIG OIL (CAS 68916-04-1 / 72968-50-4, EC - / 277-143-2). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 of 26 July 2023 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (Annex III). eur-lex.europa.eu
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products, consolidated version of 1 May 2025 (Annexes II and III). eur-lex.europa.eu
- Ellouze I, Abderrabba M, Sabaou N, Mathieu F, Lebrihi A, Bouajila J. Season's variation impact on Citrus aurantium leaves essential oil: chemical composition and biological activities. J Food Sci. 2012;77(9):T173-80. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02846.x
- Elhawary EA, Nilofar N, Zengin G, Eldahshan OA. Variation of the essential oil components of Citrus aurantium leaves upon using different distillation techniques and evaluation of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effect against Alzheimer's disease. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):73. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04380-x
- EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Fašmon Durjava M, et al. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the leaves of Citrus × aurantium L. (petitgrain bigarade oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl). EFSA J. 2021;19(6):e06624. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6624
- Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, et al. Safety Assessment of Citrus Flower- and Leaf-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2021;40:53S-76S. doi:10.1177/10915818211040477
- Sköld M, Hagvall L, Karlberg AT. Autoxidation of linalyl acetate, the main component of lavender oil, creates potent contact allergens. Contact Dermatitis. 2008;58(1):9-14. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01262.x
- Schubert S, Geier J, Brans R, Heratizadeh A, Kränke B, Schnuch A, et al. Patch testing hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool in consecutive patients-Results of the IVDK 2018-2020. Contact Dermatitis. 2023;89(2):85-94. doi:10.1111/cod.14332
- Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):E1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966
- Geraci A, Di Stefano V, Di Martino E, Schillaci D, Schicchi R. Essential oil components of orange peels and antimicrobial activity. Nat Prod Res. 2017;31(6):653-659. doi:10.1080/14786419.2016.1219860
- Kačániová M, Čmiková N, Vukovic NL, Verešová A, Bianchi A, Garzoli S, et al. Citrus limon Essential Oil: Chemical Composition and Selected Biological Properties Focusing on the Antimicrobial (In Vitro, In Situ), Antibiofilm, Insecticidal Activity and Preservative Effect against Salmonella enterica Inoculated in Carrot. Plants (Basel). 2024;13(4):524. doi:10.3390/plants13040524
- Si L, Chen Y, Han X, Zhan Z, Tian S, Cui Q, et al. Chemical composition of essential oils of Litsea cubeba harvested from its distribution areas in China. Molecules. 2012;17(6):7057-7066. doi:10.3390/molecules17067057
Tell us about your project
A product specialist reviews your request and gets back to you on the channel you prefer.
No obligation. Your information stays confidential and is used only to prepare your quote.