Bergamot, essential oil (Citrus bergamia) – HBV HE

Bergamot – Full description & information

Origin & tradition. Bergamot, the iconic citrus essence of colognes, is historically linked to Calabria (Southern Italy). Its essential oil has been used since the 18th century in citrus families and fresh-floral accords – its signature is reminiscent of Earl Grey tea.

Botanical description. Citrus bergamia (Rutaceae) is a small citrus fruit. The pear-shaped fruit has a thin skin rich in aromatic vesicles. The essential oil (EO) is extracted from the zest; the profile varies with the origin and extraction method (cold-pressed vs. rectified FCF).

Olfactory profile & construction. Bright, fresh, delicately floral-tea top note, with a green sweetness in the heart and a light balsamic base. Excellent olfactory hinge: links citrus (lemon, orange), florals (neroli, lavender, geranium) and light woods (cedar).

Technical information & usage verification

• Botanical name: Citrus bergamia
• Part used: zest (peel)
• Extraction method: cold expression (essence); FCF variant available
• INCI (English): Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil
• CAS (usual): 8007-75-8 (expressed gasoline)
• Usual origins: Italy (Calabria), Ivory Coast
• Olfactory profile: citrusy, fresh, floral-tea, sweet, slightly green (top note)
• Use categories: Cosmetics & home fragrances — non-food
• Usage verification:
  • Food: no — not intended for ingestion (flavorings fall under a different umbrella).
  • Cosmetics: yes — professional use ; comply with IFRA/allergens and manage phototoxicity (prefer FCF quality for products exposed to the sun).
  • Ambient diffusion: yes — short diffusions in ventilated rooms.
• Customs code (HS): 3301.19.90 (citrus essential oils – other)
• Synonyms: Bergamot oil, bergamot essence
• Translations (5 max): EN Bergamot — ES Bergamot — DE Bergamotte — IT Bergamotto — TR Bergamot

Destinations & types of use

Crafts: candles, room sprays/mists, scented papers/ceramics, clay pebbles.
Industry: colognes, floral citrus fragrances, scented detergents, rinse-off bases (soaps, shower gels).
Wellness (non-medical): scented atmospheres (no health claims).

Agreements & examples (to be tested and validated)

100g candle — fragrance load 2–5%: Bergamot 0.8–1.8g + Neroli 0.2–0.4g + Cedar 0.2–0.4g (cure ≥ 48h).
Spray 100 ml — Total EO 0.8–1.5%: Bergamot 0.4–0.8% + Lavender 0.2–0.4% + Petitgrain 0.1–0.3% (maturation 24–48 h).
Soap 1 kg — EO 0.5–1.0%: Bergamot 0.3–0.6% + Geranium 0.1–0.2% + Lemon dist. 0.1–0.2%.

Formulation tips

Use FCF grade for leave-on products exposed to sunlight, or significantly reduce the percentage with a standard expressed essence. Always check IFRA compliance (product category) and allergen declaration if necessary.

Precautions & Compliance

Product reserved for professionals. Not ingestible. Do not apply neat. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Possible phototoxicity (furocoumarins) — use FCF or strictly observe the authorized limits according to use. Not recommended for pregnancy/breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children/animals. Store away from heat and light, bottle tightly closed.

Documentation (professionals)

SDS, COA, TDS, IFRA/allergen declaration (if applicable), other certificates — available upon request.

Liability clauses

Information is for guidance only, with no guarantee of completeness. It does not replace your regulatory obligations or your suitability tests for the final support. HBV Huiles et Beurres Végétaux, Aroma Centre and Labos-PBE decline all responsibility in the event of non-compliant use or for food purposes. Product intended for professional use (cosmetics & atmosphere).

Useful links (internal)

• Aroma Center FAQ
• Aroma Center Blog
• Aroma Center Blogger

External links & customs code

• IFRA — Standards (category restrictions)
• ECHA — Substance & Allergy Information
• European Union — Cosmetics Framework
• WCO/OMD — HS Nomenclature (reference)
• HS Code: 3301.19.90