What is Mandarin Essential Oil?

Mandarin Essential Oil is one of the gentlest and most beloved citrus oils. The scent is warming, sweet and fruity, and is often described as the most child-friendly citrus oil. The Latin name is Citrus Nobilis, and the oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the mandarin. The color is yellow to orange and the scent is round, soft and sweet, without the sharp undertone of for example lemon.

This oil naturally contains a high percentage of limonene, alongside smaller amounts of gamma-terpinene, alpha-pinene, myrcene and methyl methylanthranilate. The latter molecule is responsible for the typically sweet, almost floral undertone of mandarin that you don't find in other citrus oils.

Mandarin blends beautifully with other citrus oils such as sweet orange and bergamot, with floral oils such as lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang and neroli, and with woody oils such as sandalwood and cedarwood. It is a popular top note in gentle, calming blends, especially for children and sensitive people.

How is Mandarin Essential Oil made?

Mandarin Essential Oil is obtained through cold pressing. The mandarin peels are mechanically pressed together, causing the oil glands in the peel to burst and release the essential oil. Because no heat is involved, the natural aroma molecules remain optimally preserved.

Unlike cold-pressed lemon, bergamot or lime, mandarin naturally contains hardly any furocoumarins. Therefore mandarin, even in the cold-pressed form, is not phototoxic. This is an exception within the citrus family and makes mandarin particularly versatile.

Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil

Not phototoxic, even when cold-pressed
Unlike most other cold-pressed citrus oils, mandarin is naturally free from phototoxic furocoumarins. Therefore it can be worn on the skin during the day without worry.

Calms the nervous system during overstimulation
The gentle, sweet scent brings the nervous system to rest. It is a beloved oil for after a busy day, and is traditionally valued by highly sensitive people who become overstimulated quickly.

Suitable for children
Mandarin is one of the gentlest essential oils and is often chosen for child-friendly blends, provided it is well diluted and only used via diffuser or in very low dosages on the skin.

Brings resilience and courage
The scent reminds of carefree, sunny moments and helps to let go of feelings of heaviness. Mandarin supports a feeling of contentment and helps to stand in life with more resilience.

Promotes feelings of happiness and creativity
The warm, sweet scent stimulates a light and cheerful feeling, ideal for in the office or studio.

How do you use Mandarin Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade skincare we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 gram product). Read the explanation at the bottom for more information. Suitable carriers are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

In a diffuser for relaxation
Put 4 to 6 drops in an aroma diffuser and bring a gentle, calming atmosphere into the home. Combine with lavender and chamomile for an evening blend for in the bedroom.

In a day cream or body lotion
Because mandarin is not phototoxic, it can be safely incorporated into day care for a fresh, gentle aroma.

Inhalation during overstimulation
Put a drop on a tissue or in your hands and breathe the sweet scent deeply to directly calm your nervous system.

In a soothing massage oil
Combine mandarin with lavender in a carrier oil for a relaxing evening massage.

In soap, shower gel or bath ritual
The gentle scent is wonderful in rinse-off products and in a relaxing bath for yourself or for children (in very low dosage and always in combination with a carrier oil or bath salt).

Difference with sweet orange

Mandarin and sweet orange are similar to each other but each have their own character. Sweet orange is brighter, fresher and more playful. Mandarin is softer, rounder and has a calming effect that sweet orange doesn't have. Both are not phototoxic and suitable for day care. For an uplifting, fresher product you choose orange. For a softer, calming product you choose mandarin.

What is special about mandarin?

Mandarin is a delicate fruit that must be carefully and hand-picked. Not surprising then that the essential oil fits so well with the highly sensitive, quickly overstimulated person. Mandarins have a rich tradition in Chinese, Indian and European herbal medicine. Through aromatherapy you make use of the effects of this special fruit in an accessible way.

Tips when using Mandarin Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Citrus oils are more sensitive to oxidation than other essential oils, and good storage significantly extends shelf life.
• Always close the bottle well after use. Through contact with air the oil can lose its scent and effect more quickly.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Precautions and side effects

Mandarin Essential Oil is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without restriction for sunlight. However, it remains important to always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade skincare we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 gram product). Citrus oils naturally contain allergens such as limonene and linalool. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens stack up and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dosage of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without exceeding those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maxima apply because the oil doesn't remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using it on larger surfaces.