Limonene
Limonene
- Role
- A citrus-type scent molecule used in fragrances.
- Catalog formulas
- 48
- Type
- Scent
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Contributes to the scent. Together with linalool, it is the most widely used fragrance chemical in cosmetics according to surveys cited by the SCCS.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In an antiperspirant or deodorant it only contributes to the scent and does not reduce sweating. Its presence in the list means the product is fragranced.
In the EU it is on the list of fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 88): it must be named separately in the ingredient list above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. The raw material itself has an extra condition: its peroxide value must be below 20 mmol/L.
The SCCS lists limonene as an established contact allergen in humans: 11–100 positive reactions reported for the non-oxidised form and 101–1,000 for the oxidised form. Contact with air forms hydroperoxides, which sensitise more strongly than limonene itself.
Limonene is a single substance. Lemon peel oil (Citrus Limon Peel Oil) is a natural mixture that the EU counts as a separate entry on the allergen list.
Products containing Limonene
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex III, entry 88 (Limonene) Supports: restrictions, allergen labelling, peroxide value
- SCCS/1459/11: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products Supports: allergenicity assessment