What is clementine essential oil?
Clementines are citrusy, exotic and have a naturally sweet aroma. Clementine essential oil comes from oil sacs between the rind and the fruit. It’s what you smell when an orange is being peeled nearby, bursting the oil sacs and releasing its juicy aroma into the air.
In ancient times, clementines were referred to as the “crown jewel” of the mandarin family. The clementine is a natural hybrid of the willowleaf mandarin and sweet orange. The fruit itself is rich in the cleansing chemical component limonene, which makes the oil highly sought after for its health benefits. Clementine essential oil is sweeter but zestier than its citrus counterparts.
Clementine essential oil uses include strengthening your immune system, boosting your mood, promoting healthy skin, and relieving digestive issues (although its digestive benefits involve internal use, which we don’t recommend). Clementine essential oil is rich in the monoterpene limonene (or citral) and also contains some linalool, geraniol and α-pinene, among many other minor components.
Clementine essential oil - quick facts
🍊 Latin name: Citrus clementina
🍊 Common Name: Clementine orange
🍊 Countries of origin: Northern Africa (Algeria), Mediterranean
(Italy, Spain, Turkey), California
🍊 Scent note: Top-middle
🍊 Popular uses: Skincare, energizing
How is clementine essential oil made?
Clementine essential oil is derived through a process known as cold pressing. The oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit in its purest form before it is further processed and bottled. Cold pressing involves putting the rind under mechanical pressure to burst the oil sacs in the rind of the clementine, releasing the essential oil which is then separated and collected.
Benefits of clementine essential oil
Clementine essential oil has a wide range of benefits and is rich in vitamin C. Some of the main clementine essential oil uses and benefits include:
- 🍊 Energizing
- 🍊 Boosting immunity
- 🍊 Skin care
- 🍊 Antimicrobial properties
Let's look at each of these benefits of clementine oil in more detail.
Re-energize with clementine essential oil
Put a spring in your step with a little clementine essential oil. Clementine offers a joyful atmosphere and is used to reduce stress, uplift your mood and help you feel reinvigorated. If you’re feeling a little groggy and need a quick go-to to get your day started, a quick whiff of clementine essential oil is a sure way to give you the boost you need.
Boosting immunity with clementine essential oil
We know that oranges are fantastic for the immune system. Being rich in vitamin C and in limonene, clementine essential oil is beneficial in boosting the immune system, protecting you against germs as well as abnormal cellular growth, both outside and inside. And of course, when you’re in a good mood and stress is low, your immune system functions far better!
Skin care with clementine essential oil
You may also want to add clementine essential oil to your skincare routine for smooth, radiant looking skin. Clementine oil contains vitamin C and limonene which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and help protect the skin against free radical damage, aging and abnormal cellular growth. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, helping your skin to look more youthful. Clementine peel essential oil also promotes wound healing.
Clementine essential oil is also thought to be rich in folic acid, which functions as an antioxidant, may enhance circulation, minimize fluid retention and improve moisture balance in the skin.
Clementine also has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties against the most common microbes that affect your skin and nails. This means that adding it to your skincare, nail care and even your hair care regimen will help keep your skin, nails and scalp healthy and free of infection.
Antimicrobial properties of clementine essential oil
Sweet orange is a popular choice for DIY cleaning products due to its antimicrobial properties and its refreshing scent. Clementine essential oil is no different and can be used in the same way, having powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties of its own.
How to use clementine essential oil
Clementine essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose. Aromatic benefits of clementine essential oil include elevating the mood, lessen anxiety and is also used to purify and cleanse the air. Let’s discover some of the ways you can use clementine essential oil to fully enjoy the benefits.
Here are some of the most common ways to use clementine essential oil:
- 🍊 Inhalation/Diffusion
- 🍊 Topically
- 🍊 Aromatherapy massage
- 🍊 Cleaning
Let’s look at each of these uses of clementine essential oil in more detail.
Diffuse or inhale clementine essential oil
You can enjoy the sweet, zesty and refreshing scent of clementine essential oil in the home by adding a few drops to your diffuser. If you’re an early riser and have some time, add some to your diffuser and let the fragrance of the essential oil work its magic before you’re off for the day.
If you don’t have a diffuser but have a candle burner, you can add a few drops to your candle burner and enjoy the same benefits of the oil.
If you’re out and about and need a quick pick-me-up during the day, you can store an aromatherapy inhaler in your purse, handbag, desk or car. Or even simpler, carry a bottle of clementine essential oil with you and whenever you need, put a drop or two in your palms, rub them together, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale the energizing scent to get the boost you need.
Topical use of clementine essential oil
Is clementine oil good for skin? Absolutely. Hello new skincare routine! Add a few drops of clementine essential oil to your body lotions, face creams, nail and hair products or blend it well with a safe carrier oil to enjoy its uplifting, anti-aging and antiseptic benefits.
You can also make your own topical clementine essential oil blend by adding it to a safe carrier oil for the body or for the face. Safe carrier oils include jojoba oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, rosehip oil, extra virgin olive oil and almond oil. Jojoba is usually the best choice as it is non-comedogenic, meaning the skin absorbs the oil without causing breakouts.
Be sure to do a patch test before using clementine essential oil more liberally on your skin.
Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massage offers both the physical and psychological effects of clementine essential oil, while the massage itself enhances these effects. Treat yourself to some self-massage before going out for the evening or on the weekend after a long week, or trade massages with your partner.
If you’re planning a romantic evening with your partner, clementine essential oil has been said to inspire sensual moods and may offer natural aphrodisiac properties. An aromatherapy massage may just be what puts you both in the mood!
Cleaning
Orange essential oil is a popular DIY cleaner, and clementine oil can be used in the same way for cleaning around your home. The way you choose to use clementine essential oil is entirely up to you. You can add a few drops to your cleaning products, or make your own by adding clementine oil to a spray bottle with water or water and vinegar, and clean your kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces with the blend. It contains antioxidants that keep nasty bacteria and fungus at bay.
Clementine essential oil research
Mood-boosting effects of essential oils like clementine - 2020, 2021
A recent journal article discussed the relevance and usefulness of essential oils in helping with anxiety and depression where conventional medication failed. Active compounds such as limonene (citral), linalool and geraniol have been found to have sedative and anti-anxiety properties through modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as GABA and glutamate. Essential oils containing these compounds have been found effective in helping with anxiety and stress. Clementine essential oil contains all these compounds, making it a great mood-boosting oil.
Another study on mice showed that limonene not only affects the GABA system but also increases dopamine levels in the brain.
Antimicrobial effects of clementine essential oil - 2017
A study looked at and compared several orange-like essential oils. Limonene was found to be the major active compound. All three oils, including clementine essential oil, inhibited Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating clementine’s antifungal and antibacterial benefits.
These microbes cause skin infections, nail infections and food poisoning, showing that clementine oil may be useful for skin care and as a cleaning agent.
Immune-boosting properties of limonene - 2020
It’s well known that oranges and vitamin C are essential for good immunity. But limonene, the main component or clementine essential oil, is such a powerful immune booster that it’s been considered as potentially protective against infection from viruses such as COVID-19 due to its anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and antiviral properties.
Side effects of clementine essential oil
There are no known side effects, interactions or allergic reactions with clementine essential oil, but overuse or undiluted use can potentially cause skin reactions. Because clementine is highly concentrated and high in limonene, the essential oil can be phototoxic, which means you should avoid direct sun exposure after applying the oil to the skin as this may cause skin irritation or burns.
Consider doing a patch test before applying the oil topically. You can do a patch test by applying a drop of clementine essential oil with some carrier oil behind the ear, covering it with a band aid and leaving it for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then you are good to use the oil topically more liberally.
Contraindications of clementine essential oil
Though fruits are usually a healthy choice, some people are known to have allergic reactions to citrus and should avoid using clementine essential oil. In addition, if you have applied the oil topically, it is advised to keep away from exposing the skin to direct sunlight as it may cause photosensitization, a reaction or irritation to the skin.
If you are unsure of any allergies to citrus, it is best to consult a medical practitioner before you add clementine essential oil to your daily routine.
Where to buy clementine essential oil
Clementine essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing clementine oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of clementine. If it’s organic, even better! Here are some of the places where you can purchase clementine essential oil.
Volant
At Volant, all our essential oils are produced using only the highest-quality plants, which are harvested and distilled with the utmost care. You’ll find clementine in Volant’s Focus Blend, a beautiful blend of vanilla bean, clementine, rosemary and cinnamon that is perfectly mixed to take away distractions so you'll get the relaxation and uplifting effect you’re looking for. With Volant, you’ll get 100% pure and organic essential oil with no additives or synthetic ingredients. This ensures that you receive the greatest possible benefit from the essential oil.
Amazon
Amazon is a popular place to shop for essential oils. It's important to note that Amazon is a marketplace rather than a store, so there are many different businesses selling essential oils through Amazon. For this reason, we'd recommend checking the ingredients and reviews of any essential oil that you choose to purchase through Amazon, as not all essential oils sold on the platform are pure, organic and trusted.
Pharmacies
If you prefer in-person shopping and holding the product in your hand to get a better idea of what you’re buying, then you may find that your local pharmacies and homeopathic stores will have just what you’re looking for. Always check that the oil you're buying is an essential oil rather than an extract and that it is 100% pure.
doTERRA
doTERRA is a company that manufactures organic essential oils, including clementine essential oil. If you’re looking for a 100% pure clementine oil, you’ll be able to safely purchase from doTERRA.
Clementine essential oil FAQs
What does clementine oil smell like?
Clementine essential oil is a complex, multi-layered blend of sweetness with a hint of floral. Because of this, clementine blends well with other essential oils, mostly oils that belong to the citrus and floral family.
What diffuser blends with clementine are good?
Clementine essential oil blends well with vanilla, rosemary, cinnamon, other citrus oils like lemon, lime, grapefruit and bergamot, as well as uplifting, floral scents like geranium.
Is clementine oil good for skin?
Yes! Like orange oil, clementine is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your skincare routine to boost collagen production and fight the aging process while boosting your mood and that of those around you in the process!
What is clementine essential oil good for?
Clementine essential oil provides aromatic benefits that include boosting your mood, energizing you and stimulating positive emotions. It can also lessen stress and anxiety and leave you feeling more invigorated.
Can you ingest clementine essential oil?
Do not ingest clementine essential oil. Before using any essential oil as a form of treatment, consult your qualified medical practitioner beforehand.
What is the strongest citrus essential oil?
Bergamot is the most powerful and the punchiest-smelling essential oil.
In summary
We’ve determined that clementine essential oil is rich in vitamin C which makes it the perfect oil for healthy, refreshed skin. It can invigorate you, enhance your mood, help you focus and get things done, boost your immune system, kill germs on your skin and in your house, and more!
A drop in your diffuser, candle burner or used in aromatherapy will motivate you at the beginning of your day, help you focus when you need to work, or bring you joy when you’re feeling down.
Add clementine to your daily skin routine for clear, smooth and healthy skin. Counteract free radicals and the effects of aging, and if you’re looking for a routine that promotes a youthful look, add clementine to your skincare products to help reduce wrinkle lines.
You can even clean with clementine essential oil to keep your space free of germs and smelling amazing.
We’re here to help if you have any questions about clementine essential oil. You can contact our support team at support@volantaroma.com and we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
