Lemon oil, furocoumarin free (CAS 68916-89-2) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Sweet

Lemon oil, furocoumarin free

CAS 68916-89-2

Origin
natural
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Lemon oil, furocoumarin free?

Lemon oil, furocoumarin free is a citrus essential oil specially processed to remove phototoxic compounds. You’ll encounter it in skincare products and summer fragrances where sun exposure is likely. This version matters because it retains the bright, uplifting lemon aroma while eliminating the risk of skin reactions to sunlight that standard lemon oil can cause.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Non-phototoxic version of lemon oil
⚠ Still contains potential allergens
CAS
68916-89-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Lemon oil, furocoumarin free Smell Like?

Furocoumarin-free lemon oil bursts with the vibrant, sun-drenched aroma of freshly peeled lemons – think of zest spraying into the air as you score the yellow rind. The top note is intensely bright and slightly green, like lemon leaves crushed between fingers. As it evolves, it reveals a juicy, pulpy sweetness reminiscent of lemon drops, with a clean, watery freshness in the dry-down that never becomes harsh or chemical-like. The absence of heavier compounds creates a lighter, more transparent citrus character that blends beautifully without overpowering.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Sens(Diptyque, 2016)

Uses furocoumarin-free lemon for its transparent citrus opening that doesn’t compete with the orange blossom heart, allowing a sunny brightness without phototoxicity concerns in this skin-friendly floral.

Light Blue(Dolce&Gabbana, 2001)

Features this ingredient to create its signature Sicilian lemon accord that remains wearable in sunlight, maintaining freshness throughout the fragrance’s aquatic evolution.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Furocoumarin-free lemon oil is produced through molecular distillation or selective extraction of Citrus limon peel oil. The process specifically removes phototoxic compounds like bergapten and other furocoumarins while preserving the monoterpene-rich fraction (limonene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene). These volatile hydrocarbons give the oil its characteristic freshness. Modern chromatography techniques allow precise removal of unwanted compounds without altering the desirable aromatic profile, making this a safer alternative to conventional cold-pressed lemon oil.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow liquid
Refractive Index1.470-1.475 (20°C)
Specific Gravity0.850-0.860 (25°C)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
High (30-90 min)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Creates fresh openings without phototoxicity
Skincare0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Adds natural citrus scent safely

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a direct replacement for standard lemon oil in any formula where UV exposure is a concern.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Lemon oil cold pressed CAS 8008-56-8

Traditional lemon oil with full spectrum components including furocoumarins, used when phototoxicity isn’t a concern and a more complex citrus profile is desired.

2
Citral CAS 5392-40-5

Single molecule alternative providing intense lemon character without phototoxic risk, though lacking the natural complexity of distilled lemon oil.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under IFRA standards when furocoumarins are fully removed (IFRA Amendment 49).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene which requires allergen labeling above 0.001% in leave-on products.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers properly processed furocoumarin-free lemon oil safe for use when phototoxic compounds are below detection limits.

Sustainability

The additional processing required to remove furocoumarins increases the environmental footprint compared to standard lemon oil, but avoids the need for synthetic alternatives. Sourcing from organic lemon groves helps mitigate agricultural impacts. The distillation process can often be powered by citrus waste biomass.

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References

  1. Dugo et al. (2011). Citrus bergamia essential oil: from traditional uses to new applications. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI:10.1002/ffj.2058

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68916-89-2
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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