Limonene is a natural product found in Teucrium montanum, Xylopia aromatica, and other organisms with data available. It is a chemical found in the rind of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, and is especially concentrated in orange peels, comprising around 97% of this rind’s essential oils. Limonene belongs to a group of compounds known as terpenes, whose strong aromas protect plants by deterring predators. Limonene is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics, a flavoring in the food industry, and even as a biodegradable domestic degreaser in industrial cleaning. It is also a popular additive in foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and natural insect repellants. Limonene is extracted through hydrodistillation, a process in which fruit peels are soaked in water and heated until the volatile molecules are released via steam, condensed, and separated.
Positive:
- Limonene is a popular additive in foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and natural insect repellants.
- Limonene is used as a fragrance in cosmetics, a flavoring in the food industry, and even as a biodegradable domestic degreaser in industrial cleaning.
- Limonene is used as an aromatic oil for its calming and therapeutic properties.
Negative:
- Upon storage and exposure to sunlight and air, limonene degrades to various oxidation products which act as skin and respiratory irritants and sensitizers.
- Limonene might be broken down by the liver. Taking limonene along with medications that decrease the break down of limonene in the liver might increase the effects and side effects of limonene.
Ingredients or materials:
- Limonene is a chemical found in the rind of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Limonene is a natural product found in Teucrium montanum, Xylopia aromatica, and other organisms with data available.
- Limonene is extracted through hydrodistillation, a process in which fruit peels are soaked in water and heated until the volatile molecules are released via steam, condensed, and separated.
