What is the recommended usage rate of bergamot oil in different products?
Recommended usage rates for bergamot oil depend on the product category — with food levels set by FEMA/GB 2760 and cosmetic levels governed by IFRA phototoxicity limits.
Recommended Usage Rates
| Product category | Usage rate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fine fragrance (EDP/EDT) | 5-20% of concentrate | Use FCF grade for leave-on |
| Body mist / splash | 3-8% | FCF recommended |
| Body lotion / cream | 0.4-2% (cold-pressed) / up to 20% (FCF) | IFRA limit 0.4% for cold-pressed leave-on |
| Soap (rinse-off) | 0.5-1.5% | Phototoxicity less critical |
| Shampoo / shower gel | 0.5-1% | Rinse-off |
| Candles | 5-10% of wax | Flash point 45-48°C — add at lowest pour temp |
| Room diffuser / spray | 3-10% | In ethanol/solubilizer |
| Food & beverages | 7.9-43 ppm (FEMA 2153) | Per food category |
| Aromatherapy massage | 1-2% in carrier (max 5 drops per 10 ml) | Adult, not on broken skin |
- Always respect the IFRA 0.4% cap for cold-pressed oil in leave-on cosmetics; the FCF grade avoids the cap
- For food, keep within FEMA use levels for the specific food category and label per GB 2760
- Start at the lower end and scale up after stability and sensory testing
- Citrus oils are top notes: in candles, add after the wax cools below 50°C to protect the fresh character
Relate Products
This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-29. The article will be continuously updated.
