Bergamot oil features a calming fragrance, a slightly spicy flavor, and a variety of potential applications and benefits. It’s frequently used in personal care formulations and is the signature flavoring in Earl Grey tea.
This oil is obtained from the peel of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), a citrus that likely originated in Southeast Asia.
Its name traces back to Bergamo in Italy, where it gained recognition, though today bergamot is cultivated in several regions around the globe.
How to use bergamot oil
Although research points to several possible health effects, essential oils aren’t overseen for purity or potency by the FDA. Consult a healthcare provider before starting essential oil use and research the quality of a brand’s offerings. Always perform a patch test prior to using a new essential oil.
Bergamot oil is available online and at many wellness retailers. For topical application, blend it with a carrier oil like olive oil before applying to skin.
Be sure to test a small skin area before applying to larger regions to check for allergic reactions. If irritation appears, discontinue use immediately.
You often encounter bergamot’s bright citrus aroma in perfumes, colognes, toiletries, and cosmetics. Edible bergamot oil is also used to flavor food and beverages and may possess therapeutic qualities.
Find out more about using essential oils safely.
Aromatherapy
Bergamot essential oil is prized in aromatherapy for its calming qualities. Common ways to incorporate it include:
- Combine 15–30 drops of bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil to create a body lotion or massage oil.
- Add 2–5 drops to products such as body wash, shampoo, or facial scrubs.
- Use bergamot oil in homemade scented candles, air fresheners, vaporizers, or potpourri to scent a room.
- Place a few drops on a bandana or handkerchief for a portable calming aroma.
A 2017 study suggests bergamot in aromatherapy may be a useful adjunct for mental health support, though researchers note further work is needed to clarify its broader effects and safety.
Skin
Components of bergamot oil show immune-modulating, wound-repair, and anti-inflammatory actions.
These properties might make bergamot a helpful spot treatment for acne or minor skin wounds in people without sensitive skin. It may also offer relief for psoriasis symptoms.
Where to apply bergamot oil
To use bergamot oil as a targeted treatment for acne or small skin concerns:
- Apply bergamot diluted in a carrier oil directly to pimples, cysts, small cuts, or blackheads.
- Leave the treatment on overnight.
- Mix the diluted oil with water or your facial cleanser to create a rinse.
Hair
Fans of bergamot oil and those who enjoy soft, subtly fragranced hair praise its ability to soften and manage curls. Anecdotal reports also claim it can calm an irritated scalp.
Some research indicates that bergamot may promote hair growth.
To try it, add a few drops to your regular shampoo or mix 1–2 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into the scalp as an overnight treatment.
Blending with other essential oils
Many essential oils offer complementary benefits. Experiment by mixing bergamot with oils you enjoy. Options include:
- Lavender oil: A staple in aromatherapy, often used in skin, hair, and acne care.
- Tea tree oil: Known for antibacterial qualities that may help with acne and skin inflammation.
- Chamomile oil: Calming both as a tea and when applied to skin, and may support mood enhancement.
When creating blends, note that bergamot’s aroma is prominent and can dominate other scents, though it tends to fade relatively quickly. Other oils might be subtler but longer lasting. These considerations can guide the ratios you choose.
Always perform a patch test before applying a new blend widely. If no reaction occurs, the blend may be safe to use. And remember to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to protect your skin.
Ingestion safety
Despite potential benefits, essential oils should generally be used externally only. Ingesting essential oils can lead to severe toxicity and, in extreme cases, be life-threatening. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children.
Benefits of bergamot oil
Research on bergamot oil has highlighted multiple possible benefits, including:
Reduces stress
A small 2015 study of women in Japan found that inhaling bergamot mixed with water vapor reduced anxiety and fatigue. A 2017 study supports these and earlier findings, suggesting bergamot may be useful as an adjunct in mental health care.
Fights foodborne pathogens
Certain bergamot compounds may be effective against bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Earlier research has shown bergamot oil could help control foodborne pathogens and might offer an alternative to antibiotics and additives, especially as antibiotic resistance rises.
A 2016 study tested different bergamot preparations against strains of Listeria monocytogenes from sources like fish and poultry. Results ranged from weak to strong inhibition depending on the formulation, indicating effectiveness can vary and should be assessed case by case.
A 2017 study and a later in vitro 2022 study found antifungal activity in bergamot oil, which could help prevent fungal contamination of foods.
These properties may reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives, though bergamot’s poor water solubility and tendency to degrade pose challenges for some applications.
Lowers cholesterol
Multiple studies indicate bergamot may help lower cholesterol, as summarized in a 2019 review.
A 2016 review of human and animal data suggested bergamot flavonoids can reduce lipid levels, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. A 2018 animal study supported these findings and also reported anti-inflammatory effects of bergamot polyphenols in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Reduces pain and inflammation
Bergamot contains linalool and carvacrol. A 2017 review examined several essential oil compounds and their effects on pain and related conditions, finding that both linalool and carvacrol demonstrated analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory actions in various applications, including topical use.
The review highlighted the need for more toxicological research in humans. A 2020 rat study reported similar outcomes.
Nonetheless, current studies do not clearly define safe, effective dosing or use in humans to reliably achieve these benefits.
Risks of using bergamot oil
Consider the following potential hazards before using bergamot oil.
Allergic reaction
Bergamot oil can irritate some people’s skin, particularly if not diluted. Essential oils, bergamot included, can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Signs of sensitivity or allergy may include:
- redness
- hives
- burning
- blisters
- pain
If you experience breathing difficulty, swollen lips or tongue, nausea, or vomiting, you may be undergoing anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. Someone nearby should call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Symptoms can arise quickly and include:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- trouble breathing or wheezing
- rapid heartbeat
- confusion
- anxiety
- clammy skin
- collapse or fainting
- hives
- swelling
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
If someone shows these signs:
- Check for an epinephrine auto-injector and, if present, follow the instructions to administer it.
- Call 911 (or local emergency services).
- Lay them down; if vomiting, place them on their side.
- Remain with them until help arrives.
They may require more than one epinephrine shot; if symptoms persist after about 5 minutes, administer a second dose if available.
To confirm you’re not allergic to bergamot oil, perform a patch test. Apply a dime-sized amount of bergamot diluted in carrier oil to the forearm using a concentration twice that of what you plan to use. For instance, if you intend to use a 3% solution, test a 6% patch. If no reaction occurs within 24 hours, it’s likely safe for broader use.
Pregnancy
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) states bergamot oil is considered safe during pregnancy.
However, you may want to use lower concentrations and should consult your healthcare provider before practicing aromatherapy while pregnant.
Learn more about essential oils in pregnancy.
Sunlight sensitivity
Do not leave bergamot oil on skin exposed to sunlight, even when diluted. Certain compounds in the oil can cause photosensitivity and provoke skin reactions.
If you worry about sun sensitivity, opt for a bergapten-free bergamot oil. This is particularly important if you’re taking medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as some antibiotics.
Interactions
Never ingest bergamot oil; ingestion can be toxic. Even topical or inhaled use can interact with certain medications.
Because essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, product quality can vary and some formulations may include undisclosed additives.
Check for possible interactions between bergamot oil and any medications you take by consulting a pharmacist or physician.
Frequently asked questions
Does bergamot oil make you sleepy?
When used in aromatherapy, it may help reduce anxiety, which can improve sleep. Using it as part of a bedtime aromatherapy routine may make it easier to fall asleep.
Why is bergamot essential oil expensive?
Pure bergamot oil tends to be pricey due to the labor-intensive process required to produce even modest quantities. This is also why you should be cautious of cheaper oils that may be adulterated or diluted with other substances.
Does bergamot oil repel mosquitoes?
Bergamot’s fragrance can act as a natural insect repellent. Research shows this effect is moderate compared with some other essential oils. To use as a repellent, mix several drops with water in a clean spray bottle and mist clothing or exposed skin areas.
Takeaway
Bergamot essential oil offers a bright citrus aroma and is commonly included in cosmetic and fragrance products. It’s also sold as a standalone essential oil.
Research indicates bergamot may reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and support mood improvement.
Use bergamot diluted in a carrier oil or water to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid leaving it on skin exposed to sunlight, and never ingest bergamot or other essential oils.
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