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lime essential oil

Lime Essential Oil

$12.50
Tax included.

Lime Essential Oil (Citrus aurantifolia) is a bright, zesty, sharply citrus essential oil cold pressed from the outer peel of fresh lime fruit. Its fresh, lemony-citrus aroma with a slightly sweet undertone makes it one of the most popular citrus essential oils for Australian soap makers, candle makers, bath product formulators, and aromatherapy practitioners. The instantly recognisable scent of fresh lime is broadly appealing, commercially versatile, and works beautifully across tropical, coastal, fresh, and summer-inspired product collections.

This is a cold pressed essential oil — the same extraction method used for most citrus peel oils. Cold pressing preserves the fresh, bright, characteristic lime aroma far better than steam distillation, but it also retains naturally occurring furanocoumarins (specifically bergapten and other psoralens) which are responsible for the phototoxicity restrictions that apply to this oil in leave-on skin care applications. This is the single most important compliance consideration for Lime Essential Oil and it is addressed in full detail in the IFRA usage rates section below.

Our Lime Essential Oil is supplied with full documentation including a Technical Data Sheet (TDS), IFRA Certificate of Conformity (51st Amendment compliant), and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Suitable for professional cosmetic formulation, small batch production, and compliance-required applications. Fast dispatch from our Melbourne warehouse to customers across Australia.

Critical formulator note: Cold pressed Lime Essential Oil is phototoxic. The IFRA maximum rate for most leave-on skin contact categories (body lotion, face cream, hand cream, fine fragrance, deodorant, baby products) is 2.00% across the board. This is the phototoxicity-driven limit. Products containing cold pressed lime at any rate above 2% in a leave-on application may cause phototoxic reactions — dark, irregular pigmentation on skin exposed to sunlight after product application. Always use within IFRA limits and consider adding sun-exposure warnings to finished product labels. Rinse-off applications (soap, shampoo, bath bombs) are unrestricted at 100%.

Product Info

Specs
  • Product Name: Lime Essential Oil
  • INCI Name: Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Oil
  • Botanical Name: Citrus aurantifolia
  • CAS Number: 8008-26-2 ; 90063-52-8
  • Part Used: Peels (outer rind of fresh fruit)
  • Extraction Method: Cold Pressed Essential Oil
  • Quality: 100% Pure and Natural — no carrier oils, diluents, or synthetics
  • Note Classification: Top Note
  • Appearance: Colourless to pale greenish yellow coloured liquid
  • Odour: Fresh, zesty, lemony-citrus, slightly sweet aroma
  • Refractive Index: 1.474 – 1.486 @ 20°C
  • Specific Gravity: 0.854 – 0.872 g/mL @ 20°C
  • Optical Rotation: +34° to +50°
  • Solubility: Soluble in alcohols and fixed oils; insoluble in water
  • Stability & Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place protected from sunlight. Shelf life 24 months; quality should be checked before use beyond this period
  • IFRA Compliance: Certified compliant to the 51st Amendment to IFRA Standards (July 2023)
  • Phototoxicity: Yes — cold pressed lime peel contains furanocoumarins; phototoxicity limits apply to leave-on applications (see IFRA rates below)
  • Documents Available: TDS, IFRA Certificate of Conformity, MSDS

MICROBIAL & PURITY TESTING

  • Aerobic Mesophilic Bacterial Count: <100 CFU/g (ISO 21149)
  • Yeast and Mould: <10 CFU/g (ISO 16212)
  • Candida albicans: Absent / 1g (ISO 18416)
  • Escherichia coli: Absent / 1g (ISO 21150)
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Absent / 1g (ISO 22717)
  • Staphylococcus aureus: Absent / 1g (ISO 22718)
  • Lead (Pb): <10 ppm
  • Arsenic (As): <2 ppm
  • Mercury (Hg): <1 ppm

IFRA USAGE RATES (Maximum Concentration by Category)

This product is certified compliant with IFRA 51st Amendment standards. Maximum usage rates by product category:

  • Category 1 (Lip products, children's toys): 2.00%
  • Category 2 (Deodorants, body sprays, axillae): 2.00%
  • Category 3 (Eye products, facial makeup, face/body wipes): 2.00%
  • Category 4 (Fine fragrance, Eau de Toilette, aftershave): 2.00%
  • Category 5A (Body creams, lotions, oils — leave-on): 2.00%
  • Category 5B (Face moisturisers — leave-on): 2.00%
  • Category 5C (Hand creams — leave-on): 2.00%
  • Category 5D (Baby creams, baby oils, baby talc): 2.00%
  • Category 6 (Toothpaste, mouthwash — oral exposure): 2.00%
  • Category 7A (Rinse-off hair products): 100.00%
  • Category 7B (Leave-on hair products, hair sprays): 2.00%
  • Category 8 (Intimate products, baby wipes): 2.00%
  • Category 9 (Bar soap, shampoo, body wash, bath bombs, shaving — rinse-off): 100.00%
  • Category 10A (Household cleaners, reed diffusers, oil burners): 100.00%
  • Category 10B (Household aerosols, air fresheners): 2.00%
  • Category 11A (Feminine hygiene pads, diapers — no UV): 100.00%
  • Category 11B (Pillow sprays, facial tissues, UV exposure): 2.00%
  • Category 12 (Candles, non-skin contact products): 100.00%

Understanding the Lime IFRA profile — the most important thing to know:

The 2.00% cap that applies across almost every leave-on skin contact category (Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6, 7B, 8, 10B, 11B) is driven entirely by phototoxicity from furanocoumarins naturally present in cold pressed lime peel. This is not a skin sensitisation restriction — it is a sun reaction restriction. Products applied to skin that is then exposed to sunlight or UV light can cause phototoxic reactions including dark, uneven skin discolouration (similar to a burn) in areas where the product was applied.

The practical consequence is simple: in any leave-on cosmetic product, Lime Essential Oil must not exceed 2%. In most leave-on products, 0.5–1.5% will deliver a noticeable lime scent well within compliance.

For rinse-off applications — cold process soap, shampoo, body wash, bath bombs (Category 9) — the rate is unrestricted at 100%. Since rinse-off products are rinsed from the skin before sun exposure, the phototoxicity mechanism does not apply. This is why lime is well-suited for soap making with no practical restriction on rate.

RECOMMENDED USAGE RATES FOR COMMON APPLICATIONS

  • Cold Process Soap: 1–3% of total oil weight — unrestricted (Category 9: 100%)
  • Hot Process Soap: 1–3% of total oil weight — add at cool-down stage
  • Melt & Pour Soap: 1–3% — stir in at 55–60°C before pouring
  • Shampoo / Body Wash (rinse-off): 0.5–2% — unrestricted at Category 9: 100%
  • Bath Bombs: 1–3% of total dry weight — unrestricted at Category 9: 100%
  • Body Lotion (Category 5A): maximum 2.00% — typical usage 0.5–1.5%; add sun-exposure guidance to labelling
  • Face Moisturiser (Category 5B): maximum 2.00% — use with caution; not recommended in daytime face products without SPF or clear sun exposure instructions
  • Hand Cream (Category 5C): maximum 2.00%
  • Fine Fragrance / Eau de Toilette (Category 4): maximum 2.00% — low cap limits use as a primary citrus note in fine fragrance; consider blending with distilled lime or lime fragrance oil for higher concentration applications
  • Candles (Category 12): unrestricted at 100% — 6–10% typical for good scent throw
  • Massage Oil: up to 2% — apply sun-exposure caution
  • Diffuser / Aromatherapy: 3–6 drops per 100ml water — no skin contact, no phototoxicity concern
  • Reed Diffuser / Oil Burner (Category 10A): up to 100%
  • NOT RECOMMENDED above 2%: any leave-on skin product, any product applied before sun exposure, products for use on sun-sensitive or post-procedure skin
Benefits

Bright, zesty, fresh-squeezed lime aroma — one of the most universally appealing citrus scents for Australian soap, candle, and bath product makers

Top note classification — delivers immediate, sharp citrus impact to blends, soap, and candles

Unrestricted in rinse-off applications (Category 9: 100%) — ideal for cold process soap, shampoo bars, body wash, and bath bombs with no practical rate limitation

Unrestricted in candle applications (Category 12: 100%) — excellent scent throw in soy, coconut, and paraffin wax

Unrestricted in reed diffusers and oil burners (Category 10A: 100%) — strong, room-filling aroma

Cold pressed peel extraction preserves the authentic, fresh lime character better than steam distillation

IFRA compliant to 51st Amendment — suitable for professional cosmetic formulation with documented safety data

Fully documented with TDS, IFRA Certificate, and MSDS — meets requirements for cosmetic product safety assessment

Popular in tropical, coastal, summer, mojito, margarita, and fresh citrus product collections — strong seasonal and year-round commercial appeal in Australia

Blends naturally with a wide range of essential oils — especially other citruses, herbs, florals, and spices

Soluble in fixed oils and alcohols — compatible with oil-phase cosmetic and soap formulations

Product Safety
  • For cosmetic and aromatic use only — do not ingest
  • Concentrated essential oil — always dilute before skin application; do not apply neat to skin
  • PHOTOTOXIC — contains naturally occurring furanocoumarins from cold pressed lime peel; applying this oil (or products containing it above 2%) to skin that is then exposed to sunlight or UV light can cause phototoxic reactions including skin darkening, discolouration, and burns
  • In all leave-on skin care products, do not exceed 2% total concentration — this is the IFRA phototoxicity-driven maximum across all leave-on categories
  • Consider adding sun-exposure labelling advice to finished products containing this oil in leave-on applications
  • Not recommended in products specifically intended for application before prolonged sun exposure (e.g. sunscreen, beach body oils, festival products) unless used at very low rates with appropriate labelling
  • May cause mild skin irritation, eye irritation, or allergic skin reaction in sensitive individuals — classified as Skin Sensitizer Category 1 per MSDS
  • Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs rinse cautiously with water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists
  • Hazardous to aquatic life — do not dispose of down drains, into waterways, or onto the ground
  • Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, open flames, and ignition sources
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling
  • Wear gloves and eye protection when handling in bulk quantities
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • If swallowed do not induce vomiting — contact Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26) immediately
  • Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
  • Shelf life 24 months — check quality before use if stored beyond this period
  • Patch test recommended before use in all new leave-on formulations

BLENDING GUIDE

Lime Essential Oil blends naturally with:

  • Sweet Orange Essential Oil — layered fresh citrus combination with tropical warmth; one of the most popular citrus pairings for soap and candles
  • Lemon Essential Oil — bright, sharp layered citrus; excellent in fresh cleaning-inspired product ranges and citrus soap collections
  • Bergamot Essential Oil — sophisticated floral citrus; lime and bergamot is a classic fine fragrance pairing
  • Lavender Essential Oil — soft floral balances the sharpness of lime; popular in bath bombs and spa product ranges
  • Peppermint Essential Oil — mojito-inspired fresh combination; extremely popular in soap and bath products
  • Lemongrass Essential Oil — complex layered citrus-herbal combination; popular in tropical and spa product collections
  • Cedarwood Essential Oil — warm wood grounds the bright lime top note; excellent in candles and men's grooming products
  • Vetiver Essential Oil — earthy, smoky base; unusual and premium combination used in niche fine fragrance
  • Coconut Fragrance Oil — tropical pairing with broad consumer appeal; lime and coconut is a classic summer scent
  • Ginger Essential Oil — spicy warmth with bright citrus; popular in warming massage blends and spa candles
Shipping

Collections from Springvale: Please allow 24 hours for all collection in store. If same day pickup is required, please contact us to discuss.

Shipping: We ship Australia Wide

FAQs

Questions

What is the INCI name for Lime Essential Oil?
The correct INCI name is Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Oil. This is the name that must appear on your finished cosmetic product ingredient list when selling in Australia under AICIS cosmetic notification requirements.

Why does Lime Essential Oil have a 2% cap in leave-on products?
This cold pressed Lime Essential Oil is extracted from the peel of fresh lime fruit. The cold pressing process retains naturally occurring furanocoumarins — particularly bergapten and related compounds — which are phototoxic. Phototoxicity means that when these compounds contact skin and are then exposed to UV light or sunlight, they can cause a photochemical reaction resulting in darkening, discolouration, or burning of the skin at the point of application. The IFRA 2% maximum for leave-on applications is the safety limit established to prevent phototoxic reactions at typical consumer exposure. Rinse-off products are unrestricted because the oil is washed from the skin before sun exposure.

Is cold pressed Lime Essential Oil safe to use in cold process soap?
Yes — unrestricted. The IFRA Category 9 (rinse-off) maximum rate is 100%, meaning cold pressed Lime Essential Oil is completely unrestricted in cold process soap, hot process soap, shampoo bars, body wash, and bath bombs. Since rinse-off products are rinsed from the skin before any sun exposure occurs, the phototoxicity mechanism does not apply. In practice, most soap makers use 1–3% of total oil weight for a well-rounded lime scent.

Will Lime Essential Oil hold its scent in cold process soap?
Lime Essential Oil is a top note and like most cold pressed citrus oils it will fade during cure to some degree. The scent retention is similar to sweet orange — better than lemon, but not as tenacious as middle or base note essential oils. For best results use at 2.5–3% of total oil weight, add at light trace, and consider anchoring with a complementary middle note such as lemongrass, bergamot, or a matching lime fragrance oil blended at 20–30% of your total scent load to improve longevity.

Can I use Lime Essential Oil in a body lotion or leave-on product?
Yes, up to the IFRA maximum of 2.00% for leave-on body products (Category 5A). At 0.5–1.5% you will achieve a noticeable lime note in a leave-on formulation within compliance. We recommend adding a labelling note such as "Contains lime peel oil — avoid prolonged sun exposure after application" to inform customers, particularly for products likely to be used before outdoor activities or in Australian summer conditions.

What is the difference between cold pressed lime and steam distilled lime?
Cold pressed Lime Essential Oil is extracted directly from the fresh peel and retains furanocoumarins, making it phototoxic in leave-on applications. Steam distilled Lime Essential Oil is produced by steam distilling either the whole fruit or the peel — the high heat and steam process destroys the furanocoumarins, making the distilled version non-phototoxic and available for use in leave-on products at higher rates. If you need lime in a leave-on formulation at rates above 2% — for example in a high-fragrance body oil or perfume — a steam distilled lime or a lime fragrance oil would be more appropriate. Our current listing is cold pressed.

Can I use Lime Essential Oil in soy candles?
Yes. Under IFRA Category 12 (non-skin contact products including candles) the maximum usage rate is 100%. Lime performs well in soy, coconut, and paraffin wax candles. A typical fragrance load of 6–10% of wax weight is recommended. The bright citrus scent has excellent cold throw and reasonable hot throw. It blends particularly well with coconut, bergamot, and lemongrass fragrance combinations for tropical summer candle ranges.

What is the shelf life of Lime Essential Oil?
When stored correctly in a sealed container in a cool, dark location away from heat and direct sunlight, Lime Essential Oil has a shelf life of 24 months. As with all cold pressed citrus oils, it is more susceptible to oxidation than steam distilled oils — store carefully and check quality before use if approaching or beyond this period. Oxidised lime oil loses its fresh, bright character and should not be used in formulations.

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