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 mandarin peel. The color is yellow to orange and the scent is round, soft and sweet, without the sharp undertone of lemon, for example.

This oil naturally contains a high percentage of limonene, along with 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 soft, 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, causing the oil glands in the peel to burst and the essential oil to be released. Because no heat is involved, the natural aroma molecules are optimally preserved.

Unlike cold-pressed lemon, bergamot or lime, mandarin naturally contains hardly any furanocoumarins. Therefore, mandarin, even in 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 furanocoumarins. This means it can be worn on the skin during the day without worry.

Calming scent
The soft, sweet scent feels wonderfully soothing. It is a beloved oil for after a busy day.

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

Sunny scent
The scent reminds you of carefree, sunny moments and gives a feeling of contentment.

Promotes 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 care products, we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation below for more information. Suitable carriers include, for example, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

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

In a day cream or body lotion
Because mandarin is not phototoxic, it can safely be used in day care for a fresh, soft aroma.

Just inhale
Put a drop on a tissue and breathe in the sweet scent deeply for a moment of calm.

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 soft scent is lovely in rinse-off products and in a relaxing bath for yourself or for children (in very low dosage and always combined with a carrier oil or bath salts).

Difference with sweet orange

Mandarin and sweet orange are similar but each has its own character. Sweet orange is brighter, fresher and more playful. Mandarin is softer, rounder and has a more calming scent than sweet orange. Both are not phototoxic and suitable for day care. For an uplifting, fresher product, choose orange. For a softer, calming product, choose mandarin.

What is special about mandarin?

Mandarin is a delicate fruit that must be carefully picked by hand. It is no surprise, then, that the essential oil has such a soft character. Mandarins have been used for centuries in China, India and Europe. With aromatherapy, you can enjoy the scent of this special fruit in an accessible way.

Tips for using Mandarin Essential Oil

• 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. Through contact with air, the oil can lose its scent and effectiveness more quickly.
• Test first on a small patch of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not 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 limitation in sunlight. However, it remains important to always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

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

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, there are wider maxima because the oil does not remain on the skin.

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