Tangerine Essential Oil (Citrus reticulata)

Cold-pressed essential oil from the peel of Citrus reticulata, Tangerine. The oil shares the bright cheerful character of sweet orange but with subtle additional complexity - slightly sweeter, more nuanced citrus character. Tangerine is one of the gentlest citrus essential oils and has minimal photosensitivity concerns compared to bergamot.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Citrus reticulata

Plant part

Peel

Extraction

Cold pressing

Primary compound

Limonene (typically 85-95% of the oil)

Aromatic character

Bright, sweet citrus with subtle complexity

Photosensitivity

Minimal (unlike bergamot)

What is Tangerine Essential Oil?

Tangerine essential oil is the cold-pressed peel oil of the tangerine, a small citrus fruit in the mandarin family. The oil is exceptionally rich in limonene, the bright citrus aromatic compound. Like sweet orange oil, tangerine has very low furocoumarin content and minimal photosensitivity concerns - making it one of the gentler citrus oils for skin use.

How to Use Tangerine Essential Oil

Diffusion: 3-6 drops in a diffuser; cheerful and uplifting. Topical blending: dilute to 1-2% in carrier oil for skin application. Children's aromatherapy: one of the safer citrus oils for use around children (still with appropriate dilution and caution). Blend with: lavender, ylang-ylang, vanilla, ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tangerine oil smell like?
Bright, sweet citrus with subtle complexity - similar to sweet orange but slightly more nuanced.

Is it safe for skin?
Generally yes when properly diluted; minimal photosensitivity concern.

What's the difference between Tangerine and Mandarin essential oils?
Closely related - both from the same broader Citrus reticulata complex. Some sources distinguish them by variety; others use the names interchangeably.

Is it good for children's aromatherapy?
Among the safer citrus oils for use around children, with appropriate dilution and adult guidance.

What blends well with Tangerine?
Lavender, ylang-ylang, vanilla, ginger.

How does it compare to Sweet Orange oil?
Similar character; tangerine has subtly more complex character.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.