Grapefruit Essential Oil
Citrus paradisi
Description
Grapefruit Essential Oil is cold pressed or steam distilled from the rinds of grapefruits from the species Citrus paradisi. Although the rind itself can be quite bitter, the oil possesses a beautifully uplifting, pleasant, sweet, citrus aroma that most individuals find pleasing.
Grapefruit Essential Oil is a wonderfully energizing oil that isn't too strong or overpowering. Grapefruit Oil is a wonderful pick-me-up oil that can be diffused in the mornings or at times of the day when you are trying to combat feelings of fatigue. Grapefruit Oil is also great to diffuse with other energizing oils like Rosemary Essential Oil because it lightens up and sweetens the blend.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that Grapefruit Essential Oil may help support weight loss and appetite suppresson. However, there is no reliable evidence available that supports this, based on my research at the time of this writing. AromaWeb's Guide to Aromatherapy for Weight Loss provides more details on the use of essential oils as a part of a sensible weight loss program.
Grapefruit Essential Oil is generally enjoyed by those that don't care for eating grapefruit. It blends well with many essential oils including Bergamot, Lavender, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, other citrus oils, and many others. For a lovely aromatic combination, try blending it with Frankincense Oil. I also love it blending with conifers like Fir Needle Oil.
Both white and pink grapefruit oils are available, with Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil generally being considered the sweeter of the two.
For more information about Grapefruit Essential Oil, read the details shown below, and be sure to read the information regarding its phototoxicity.
Grapefruit Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
- Acne
- Oily Skin
- Cellulitis
- Dull Skin
- Toxin Build-up
- Water Retention
- Nervous Exhaustion
Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 104-105.
Possibly Also: May Support Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression
Botanical Name
Plant Family
Common Method of Extraction
Cold Pressed/Expressed
Plant Part Typically Used
Color
Pale Yellow - Yellow
Consistency
Thin
Perfumery Note
Top
Strength of Initial Aroma
Medium - Strong
Aromatic Description
Grapefruit Essential Oil smells citrusy. The aroma is tangy like grapefruit, but yet is sweet. It is reminiscent to the aroma of the grapefruit rind, but more concentrated.
Major Constituents
- (+)-Limonene
- B-Myrcene
- a-Pinene
- Sabinene
- Nootkatone
- Bergapten
See Essential Oil Safety for a more complete list of typical constituents.
Source: P. Dugo, L. Mondello, E. Sebastiani, et al., Identification of Minor Oxygen Heterocyclic Compounds of Citrus Essential Oils by Liquid Chromatography-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. (Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies 22, 1999), 2991-3005. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 91-92.B.M.Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1993), 7, 167-168. SCCP, Opinion on Furocoumarins in Cosmetic Products. (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, 13-Dec.-2005), SCCP/0942/05. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 297.
Grapefruit Essential Oil Safety Information
Grapefruit Oil is phototoxic. Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 4% to avoid risk of phototoxic reaction. Avoid using Grapefruit Oil that has oxidized due to a greater risk of skin sensitization. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 297.]
General Safety Information
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Shelf Life
Important Information About the Profiles
The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for basic educational purposes only. The references to safety information, test results, constituents and percentages is generalized information. Essential oils can vary greatly in composition. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil composition and color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several CO2 Extracts and absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.
