What is Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF)?

Bergamot Essential Oil FCF is the furocoumarin-free version of cold-pressed bergamot. The scent is fresh, fruity and floral with a light spicy undertone, and strongly reminiscent of classic bergamot, but without the phototoxic side effect. The Latin name is Citrus Aurantium Bergamia, and the oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot fruit, after which the furocoumarins are removed in a second step.

FCF stands for "furocoumarin-free", which means that the substances responsible for phototoxicity (especially bergapten) have been removed after extraction. This variant can therefore be used without restriction in products worn on the skin during the day, such as day creams, body lotions and deodorants.

Bergamot FCF blends beautifully with lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, neroli, sandalwood, cedarwood and frankincense. It is a popular top note in fine perfumery and a versatile ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

How is Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF) made?

The production begins, just like with regular bergamot, with cold pressing of the bergamot peels. In this process, the oil glands in the peel are compressed and the essential oil is released. Subsequently, the oil undergoes an additional step in which the furocoumarins are removed, usually via fractional distillation or molecular distillation. This step specifically removes the heavier phototoxic molecules and leaves the aromatic components largely intact.

The result is an oil with a scent that comes very close to classic bergamot, with minimal loss of depth and complexity, but with the great practical advantage that the oil is safe for daily exposure to sunlight.

Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF)

Non-phototoxic, so safe for day care
The main advantage over cold-pressed bergamot. FCF can be incorporated into day creams, body lotions, deodorants, perfumes and all other products worn on the skin during the day.

Brings focus and clarity
The scent relaxes and gives a deep feeling of well-being, allowing you to focus better on what you're doing. An excellent choice for a work diffuser.

Calms stress and tension
Just like regular bergamot, FCF has a calming effect on restlessness and mild melancholy. The aroma is uplifting and calming at the same time.

Classic perfume component
Bergamot is one of the most used ingredients in fine perfumery. The FCF version gives you the same scent characteristics without the sunlight restriction.

For shiny hair
Mix a few drops into your favorite hair oil such as Jojoba Oil and massage into clean hair for natural shine.

How do you use Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF)?

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

In a day cream or body lotion
The great advantage of FCF: you can safely incorporate this oil into day care without worrying about sun exposure.

In a DIY perfume or body oil
Combine with lavender, sandalwood and cedarwood for a classic, calming perfume that can be worn during the day.

In a deodorant
FCF is ideal for deodorant because the armpits are regularly exposed to sunlight via décolleté and arms.

In the diffuser
Add 4 to 6 drops to an aroma diffuser. Mix with lavender, cedarwood and sweet orange for a soft, relaxing atmosphere at home.

In your facial cleanser
Add a drop to your facial cleanser for a refreshing cleansing effect, especially nice for oily or combination skin.

What is the difference with cold-pressed bergamot?

In addition to this FCF version, we also have the cold-pressed Bergamot Essential Oil in our range. The cold-pressed variant has a slightly fuller, more complex scent because the furocoumarins are still present in it. These substances contribute to the aromatic depth, but also make the oil phototoxic.

Choose FCF if you want to incorporate bergamot into a day care product, perfume, deodorant or sun-exposed product. Choose the cold-pressed variant for evening products, perfume, diffuser or rinse-off applications where you want the full aromatic complexity.

What is so special about bergamot?

The bergamot fruit is not edible, but precisely for this reason, other applications of this aromatic fruit were discovered early on. Essential oil has been pressed from bergamot peels for centuries, for use in massage oils and perfumes. Bergamot is an important ingredient in the world-famous 4711 Eau de Cologne, which was formulated in Germany at the beginning of the 18th century. In addition, the peels of the fruit are used to give Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavor.

Tips when using Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF)

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Citrus oils are more sensitive to oxidation than other essential oils, and proper storage significantly extends shelf life.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use. Contact with air can cause the oil to lose its scent and effectiveness more quickly.
• Test on a small area of skin first 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.

Points of attention and side effects

Bergamot Essential Oil (FCF) is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without restriction for sunlight. This is the whole point of the FCF variant. However, it remains important to always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade care we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Citrus oils naturally contain allergens such as limonene, linalool and geraniol. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate 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 you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maximums apply because the oil does not 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 on a small area first and wait 24 hours before using on larger surfaces. Not intended for internal use.