Inhaltsstoff · Duftstoff
Limonene
A citrus-scented fragrance ingredient that's generally fine but can cause skin allergies in some people, especially when oxidized.
Limonene is a natural compound from citrus peel used to give cosmetics and cleaning products a fresh, orange-like smell. It's not toxic in the amounts used, but when exposed to air it slowly breaks down into oxidation products that are known skin sensitizers, meaning some people develop contact allergies over time.
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Why it matters
Limonene is a terpene, a natural oily compound found in citrus fruit peels (like orange and lemon). Cosmetic and cleaning product makers add it purely for its pleasant citrus scent. On its own, fresh limonene is a mild irritant at most. The bigger concern is what happens after the bottle is opened: oxygen in the air slowly converts some limonene into oxidation products (like limonene hydroperoxide), and these breakdown products are much more likely to trigger allergic skin reactions in susceptible people. Most people can use products containing limonene with no issue at all.
Quellen (3)
- 1.Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (Annex III, fragrance allergens)(eur-lex.europa.eu)
- 2.SCCS Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products
- 3.PubChem: Limonene(pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
