Summer provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the light, cooling, and refreshing aroma of Sweet Orange Essential Oil. Typically cold-pressed from the orange fruit rinds, this popular oil (very commonly simply called 'Orange Oil') is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, soaps, candles, cosmetics, traditional remedies, and many other applications due to its fresh, sweet scent and varied therapeutic properties. Sweet Orange Oils are wonderfully versatile, and can be used in countless ways for home and personal use, including cleaning, home fragrancing, skincare, haircare, stress relief, energy-boosting, improving sleep, and more!
There are many cultivars of Sweet Orange, which are commonly grouped into four categories: Common (also known as 'Blond'), Navel, Sweet (also known as 'Acidless'), and Blood Orange varieties. The selection of Sweet Orange oils that NDA offers include:
Read on to learn the aromatherapy benefits of Sweet Orange Oil and discover 16 ways you can make use of this oil for the summer, including to clean and fragrance the home, pamper the skin and body, relax the mind, support energy levels, and more!
A Note On Sweet Orange Vs. Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Although there is crossover in terms of its uses, Sweet Orange differs from Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium). Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) is in fact the biggest citrus crop in the world, representing roughly 70% of global citrus production. Bitter Orange trees are bigger and spinier, with a wider leaf stalk and a darker, bitter-tasting fruit. Sweet Orange Essential Oil has a sweeter citrus aroma that lacks some of the more subtle tangy and tart notes of the bitter variety.
Beyond the fruits, however, Bitter Orange flowers can be distilled to give rise a beautifully fragrant oil that is comparatively expensive (Neroli Essential Oil, also called Orange Blossom Essential Oil), and the leaves and twigs are used to produce Petitgrain Essential Oil, which is also widely used in perfumery.
Learn more about the benefits and uses of Orange Essential Oils in our in-depth article.
A Note On Phototoxicity
Certain essential oils consist of compounds that, if applied topically and exposed to sunlight, can sometimes cause burning, discoloring, and skin irritation. Several cold-pressed citrus oils including Lemon and Bergamot are phototoxic; following any topical application using blends incorporating these oils, sun exposure must be avoided for a minimum of 12 hours. Cold-pressed Sweet Orange Essential Oil has not been observed to be phototoxic*. Cold-pressed Bitter Orange Essential Oil, on the other hand, is phototoxic*. Neroli and Petitgrain Essential Oils have not been observed to be phototoxic*.
*SOURCE: Lawless, Julia (2013). The Encyclopedia of essential oils: the complete guide to the use of aromatic oils in aromatherapy, herbalism, health, and wellbeing. CA: Conari Press.
The summery scent of Orange Oil is perfect for enlivening any living space and masking malodors. Along with other citrus oils such as Lemon and Grapefruit, it is reputed to help clear and cleanse the air off certain airborne pathogens due to its high Limonene content. The following recipes provide effective non-toxic and eco-friendly substitutes for commercial home fresheners, sprays, and deodorizers, with added aromatherapeutic benefits.
1. Citrus Zest Diffuser Blend
Use this transformative citrus blend to convert a stale or musky space into an uplifting haven.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 3 drops |
| Grapefruit Pink Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Bergamot Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Lemon Essential Oil | 2 drops |
Instructions: To diffuse, add the specified essential oils into a 2 mL glass bottle, then roll the bottle between your palms to help blend all oils together. Depending on the manufacturer's instructions, add the appropriate number of drops to your diffuser. Modify the recipes as needed depending on your preferences and the size of your diffuser.
2. Sink Deodorizer
Due to accumulated food material and bacteria, sink drains can suffer from lingering unpleasant smells. Traditional drain cleaners make use of corrosive chemicals that can irritate the skin and lungs. This simple recipe makes use of kitchen staples and the purifying scent of Sweet Orange to clear out the sink drain.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 5-7drops |
| Baking Soda | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 2 cups |
Instructions: Sprinkle the cup of Baking Soda straight into the sink drain, then pour in the Vinegar. Allow the drain to unclog for 30 minutes before clearing out the mixture with hot water. Lastly, add the Sweet Orange Sweet Essential Oil into the drain for a clean scent.
Tip: Keep a bottle of Sweet Orange Oil near the sink and add in a few drops from time to time to prevent any funky smells from reappearing.
3. Linen Spray
Use this linen spray-on bed sheets, carpets, mats, curtains, towels, and throw rugs for a quick way to refresh them between washings.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 8 oz. (235 mL) |
| Witch Hazel Distillate | 8 oz. (235 mL) |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | Up to 30 drops |
Instructions: Fill half a 16 oz. (470 ml) spray bottle with Distilled Water and top up with Witch Hazel Distillate along with the desired amount of Orange Essential Oil. Cap before shaking thoroughly to combine the ingredients, then spritz onto desired fabrics.
4. Fridge Freshener
Keep the fridge smelling fresh, clean, and citrus-scented with this simple natural deodorizer. It will last roughly a month, after which the contents can be replaced with a fresh mixture.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda | 1/2 cup |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 3-4 drops |
Instructions: In a small jar or bowl, add the Baking Soda and essential oil. Combine well with a spoon and place uncapped in the fridge.
5. Powder Room and Bathroom Potpourri
Elevate your powder room or bathroom with fragrant orange-scented potpourri. The essential oil intensifies and adds to the natural aroma of your dried botanicals to give off a lingering citrus aroma.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Dried flowers (e.g. rose petals or lavender buds) | As desired |
| Dried fruits (e.g. orange or lemon slices) | As desired |
| Dried spices (e.g. cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, clove buds, or star anise) | As desired |
| Orris Root Powder | 1 tbsp. |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | As desired |
Instructions: Into a jar or glass decorative bowl, add in Orris Root Powder followed by a preferred amount of essential oil, and stir together to combine. Add in your dried aromatics and mix in, ensuring the Orris Powder is evenly distributed.
Tip: The Orris Root Powder fixates the scent such that it does not evaporate. The powder can be skipped, although you will need to top up the essential oil from time to time for a long-lasting potpourri fragrance.
Keep your home looking clean and immaculate with Sweet Orange Oil. It has natural purifying qualities as well as reputed antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it a useful ingredient to incorporate into all-natural DIY house cleaning sprays and products. Sweet Orange Oil's antimicrobial properties are believed to be due to the synergy arising between the essential oil's terpene constituents.
We recommend the following recipes always be tested on a small surface first to make sure that there is no unintended discoloration or damage.
6. Counter Cleaner
Use this DIY countertop spray blend to clean and polish your kitchen or bathroom countertops and surfaces.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 6 drops |
| Tea Tree Essential Oil | 6 drops |
| Peppermint Essential Oil | 4 drops |
| Lime Essential Oil | 4 drops |
| Liquid Soap 105N | 2 tbsp. |
| Water | 2 1/2 cups |
Instructions: Add the essential oils into a mini glass bottle, then roll the bottle between your palms to help blend all oils together. Fill a spray bottle with the water and liquid soap, followed by up to 20 drops of the essential oil blend. Cap before shaking the contents vigorously. Mist over the counter and swipe clean with a cloth.
7. Bathroom Cleaner
Shine your bathtub, shower area, or sink and get rid of soap scum with this mixture. To spot clean the bathroom, you may even add 2-3 drops of Sweet Orange Oil directly onto dirt or any soiled stains, and rub using a sponge or scrub brush.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda | 2-3 tbsp. |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 5 drops |
| Hot Water | As needed |
Instructions: Combine the ingredients together to make a thick paste. Apply onto desired areas and leave on for a couple of minutes. Scrub clean using a brush and rinse the area clean.
8. Glass, Mirror, and Stainless Steel Polisher
Use this DIY spray to clean your glass, mirror, and stainless steel surfaces for a streak-free result.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 1 cup |
| Rubbing Alcohol | 1/2 cup |
| White Vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 10 drops |
Instructions: Pour the ingredients into a glass spray bottle. Cap before shaking thoroughly. Spray onto the surface and wipe with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil is a versatile ingredient in skincare and is particularly known for its brightening, skin polishing, and oil-balancing benefits. Cleansers and exfoliators that incorporate citrus oils can help restore radiance and a healthy-looking glow to tired, lackluster skin. The clarifying properties of Sweet Orange may especially be useful for those with pigmentation issues due to excessive sun exposure.
9. Orange & Sandalwood Body Milk
This hydrating and fast-absorbing body milk recipe features a divine blend of Orange, Sandalwood, and Jasmine oils. Use to moisturize parched skin during dry summers.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| NDA's Body Milk Cosmetic Base | 500 mL ( 16.9 oz. ) |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 1 mL ( 0.03 oz. ) |
| Sandalwood Essential Oil | 2 mL ( 0.07 oz. ) |
| Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute | 2 mL ( 0.07 oz. ) |
Instructions: To the cosmetic base, pour in the Carrier Oil and whisk until it is fully incorporated. Next, pour in the Essential Oils and mix carefully until the fragrance is evenly blended. Decant the mixture into a desired jar or dispenser.
10. Brightening Honey & Orange Facial Cleanser
This DIY face cleanser incorporates the humectant properties of Honey and Glycerine to leave the complexion looking soft and dewy.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Raw Honey | 4 tablespoons |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 2 tablespoons |
| Ylang Ylang Floral Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 10 drops |
Instructions: Blend to combine all ingredients together and store in a pump dispenser bottle.
11. Nourishing Citrus Night Cream
A decadent facial cream recipe that incorporates a Citrus Oil blend to help hydrate the skin as well as alleviate texture and darkness in the under-eye area. Use at night-time only; this recipe incorporates phototoxic oils.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Marigold Eye Cream Cosmetic Base | 500 mL ( 16.9 oz. ) |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Bergamot Essential Oil | 1 drop |
Instructions: Add the essential oils drop by drop to the cosmetic base and whisk to incorporate the fragrance evenly. Decant into chosen jars of your choice.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil is a wonderfully soothing and restorative oil for the body, helping to alleviate pain, aches, and physical tension. In aromatherapy, the oil is reputed for its circulatory benefits and is used as a muscle tonic to promote rest and recovery. It is also used to address joint pain, fluid build-up, digestive issues (including gas, cramps, and constipation) and is believed to support respiratory health as well as the functioning of the immune system.
12. Herbal Steam For Colds & Flu
Use this simple facial steam recipe to help loosen congestion, open up the airways, and provide relief to blocked sinuses.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Boiling Hot Water | As needed |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 3 drops |
| Lemon Essential Oil | 2 drops |
Instructions: Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil, then transfer to a big, heat-proof bowl. Add the essential oils to the water. Holding a towel over the head, close the eyes, and bend over the bowl to deeply inhale the steam.
13. Citrus & Lavender Sleep Aid
Extended sitting and other postural deficits can accumulate bodily tension throughout the day and can consequently prevent restful sleep. Use this blend featuring the relaxing aromas of Orange, Lavender, and Frankincense to calm the body and signal that it's bedtime.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Almond Carrier Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil | 10 mL |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Lavender Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Frankincense Essential Oil | 1 drop |
Instructions: Disassemble the roller base of a 10 mL (0.35 oz) Amber Glass Roller Bottle and add the essential oils. Fill the bottle with the Carrier Oil and attach the roller before swirling to mix the blend. Roll onto the bottoms of the feet, the temples, and the wrists about thirty minutes before going to sleep.
14. Stress & Fatigue Relief Massage Blend
Use this gentle massage blend to gain relief from daily stresses and anxieties as well as physical exhaustion. There is no need for a massage therapist or partner - simply guide your palms and fingers in a kneading action to allow this blend to absorb into the body.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Carrier Oil of your choice | 40 mL ( 1.35 fl. oz. ) |
| Lavender Essential Oil | 6 drops |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 4 drops |
| Ylang Ylang Essential Oil | 4 drops |
| Chamomile Essential Oil | 2 drops |
Instructions: In a glass container, pour in the carrier oil before adding the essential oils. Mix the ingredients together by swirling the container. Warm a portion of this blend in between the palms of your hand before applying onto and massaging desired areas.
Emotionally, Sweet Orange Oil can be used to balance energies and emotions; low drive and exhaustion can be helped with stimulating Orange Oil blends, while nervous energy and overwhelm can be counteracted with more soothing Orange Oil blends. Furthermore, the oil is well-known for its cheerful, uplifting properties and is often used by aromatherapists to help with depressive states.
15. Roller Blend For Instant Relaxation
Use this blend to experience a state of calmness and groundedness during a tough day. Due to the exotic notes of Neroli and Sandalwood, this delectable sweet and flowery scent also doubles as a natural perfume.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Almond Carrier Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil | 10 mL |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Sandalwood Essential Oil | 1-2 drops |
| Neroli Essential Oil | 1 drop |
Instructions: Disassemble the roller base of a 10 mL (0.35 oz) Amber Glass Roller Bottle and add the essential oils. Fill the bottle with the Carrier Oil and attach the roller before swirling to mix the blend. Roll onto the pulse points or areas such as the bottoms of the feet, the temples, and the wrists. Repeat whenever needed.
16. Roller Blend For Energy and Focus
Overcome feelings of lethargy or weariness throughout the day with the energetic fragrance of Orange and Spearmint. This blend will help open up the senses and immediately bring you back to the present moment.
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Sweet Almond Carrier Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil | 10 mL |
| Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Spearmint Essential Oil | 2 drops |
Instructions: Disassemble the roller base of a 10 mL (0.35 oz) Amber Glass Roller Bottle and add the essential oils. Fill the bottle with the Carrier Oil and attach the roller before swirling to mix the blend. Roll onto the pulse points or areas such as the bottoms of the feet, the temples, and the wrists. Repeat whenever needed.
Learn more about the history, composition, benefits, and uses of Orange Essential Oil in our blog post here.
As per NAHA guidelines, New Directions Aromatics (NDA) does not recommend the ingestion of essential oils. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using Orange Essential Oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women and those taking prescription drugs are especially advised not to use Orange Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician. The oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.
Prior to using Orange Essential Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying a small amount to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Orange Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. An absence of an allergic response within 48 hours indicates that the oil is safe to use. Individuals with allergies to citrus fruits are at a higher risk of developing an allergy to Orange Oil and should avoid its use.
Once applied topically, some varieties of Orange Oil exhibits photo-toxic activity. This means that it increases the effects of exposure to UV radiation, and thus can cause skin irritation, which includes blisters, burns, scabs, redness, and changes in skin pigmentation. To prevent photosensitivity, those using Orange Oil for topical application should wait 72 hours before spending prolonged periods outdoors, especially in regions with hot climates.
Orange Oil is known to be a non-toxic and non-irritating oil; however, potential side effects – most likely to be caused if the oil is used undiluted – include dermatitis and skin inflammation. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent these side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use. Those with health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, liver damage, or skin disorders are especially recommended to be advised.