Bergamot oil: the complete guide to skin, scent & relaxation

What is bergamot oil?

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot fruit, Citrus bergamia. The fruit looks like a cross between different citrus species and is best known for its distinctive scent: fresh and sparkling like citrus, yet at the same time softer, more floral, and more elegant than, for example, lemon.

The scent of bergamot is popular worldwide in perfumery and aromatherapy. The recognizable taste and aroma of Earl Grey tea are also traditionally associated with bergamot. For essential oil, the aromatic fraction is extracted from the peel, often by pressing.

How is bergamot oil made?

For many citrus oils, the aromatic components are mechanically pressed from the peel. As a result, not only volatile fragrances remain, but other natural peel components can also end up in the oil. This is important with bergamot because some of these substances can make the skin more sensitive to UV light.

There are also bergamot oils from which certain phototoxic components have been removed, often referred to as FCF or bergapten-free. However, do not assume this automatically: always check the product specification of the oil you are using.

What does bergamot smell like?

Bergamot opens bright, fresh, and citrusy, but also has a soft floral and slightly bitter undertone. This makes it smell more refined and less sharp than some other citrus oils. In fragrance compositions, bergamot usually acts as a top note.

The oil combines exceptionally easily. Lavender creates a soft, fresh blend, geranium makes for a floral citrus composition, and patchouli or sandalwood gives bergamot a warm, deeper base.

Bergamot oil and relaxation

Bergamot is widely used in aromatherapy blends intended for a calm atmosphere. Studies have examined bergamot aroma in relation to stress, mood, and sleep. Some results are positive, but reviews emphasize that studies are often small and differ significantly from one another.

This means that bergamot is not a treatment for stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. However, the fresh scent can be a pleasant part of a personal relaxation ritual, for example in the evening or during a quiet moment at home.

Bergamot oil in the diffuser

Because of its fresh character, bergamot is an accessible diffuser oil. It can be used alone or as a top note in a blend. Follow your diffuser's instructions and adjust the number of drops to the capacity of the reservoir and the size of the room.

• Fresh and soft: bergamot + lavender.
• Floral: bergamot + ylang ylang or geranium.
• Warm and earthy: bergamot + patchouli.
• Fresh-woody: bergamot + sandalwood or cedarwood.

Bergamot oil for the skin

Bergamot can be used diluted in cosmetic skin and body blends, but requires more attention than many other oils. Cold-pressed bergamot can contain natural furocoumarins which can be phototoxic. After application to the skin, exposure to sunlight or other UV sources can cause an unwanted skin reaction.

Therefore, never use bergamot neat on the skin. Check if your oil is FCF/bergapten-free if you want to use it on areas exposed to sunlight. If you are not sure, choose to be extra cautious and avoid UV exposure on the treated area.

Which carrier oil goes with bergamot?

In terms of scent, bergamot combines with many carrier oils. Jojoba is light and virtually odorless, which keeps the fresh citrus note clear. Sweet almond oil is somewhat richer and suitable for massage blends. Argan oil works well when you want to make a nourishing hair or body oil.

The carrier oil largely determines the texture and skin feel of your final product. Therefore, first choose the base that suits your goal and only then add a small, carefully dosed amount of bergamot.

How do you use bergamot oil?

For aromatic use, you can use bergamot in a diffuser. For skin use, the oil must always be carefully diluted. Start with a few drops; with citrus oils, a low concentration often provides a fresh and recognizable scent.

For a personal fragrance blend, you can use bergamot as a top note, geranium or lavender as a middle note, and patchouli or sandalwood as a base note. This gives the volatile citrus scent more depth and keeps the composition interesting for longer.

What does bergamot combine well with?

Bergamot is one of the most versatile citrus oils. Lavender makes it soft, ylang ylang makes it richly floral, geranium makes it green-floral, and patchouli makes it earthy. Other citrus oils can also combine to form a bright, sparkling blend.

If you combine multiple oils, add bergamot first and build up the heavier base notes slowly. Patchouli and ylang ylang, in particular, can quickly overpower the light citrus scent.

What to look for regarding quality?

Look at the botanical name Citrus bergamia, the extraction method, and information about any FCF or bergapten-free processing. The latter is especially relevant if you want to use the oil cosmetically on the skin.

Store bergamot in a cool, dark place and keep it tightly closed. Citrus oils are sensitive to oxidation; old or highly oxidized oil may have a different scent profile and is less suitable for skin use.

Safe use

Do not use bergamot essential oil neat on the skin. Be aware of potential phototoxicity and avoid sun and UV exposure on treated skin when you are not sure if the oil is suitable for this. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes and always patch test a new skin blend first.

When dosed correctly, bergamot is an exceptionally versatile oil: fresh enough for daytime use, but soft enough to fit into warm and floral evening blends as well.