Petitgrain Oil is a hidden gem in skincare. This citrusy, herbaceous essential oil is calming and balancing, with clarifying properties. It’s extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium amara), unlike neroli (from the flowers) or bitter orange oil (from the rind).

What is Petitgrain Oil?

Derived from steam distillation of the bitter orange tree’s leaves and young branches, Petitgrain oil’s aroma is fresh, slightly woody, floral and citrusy—a softer, greener cousin of orange blossom. It’s often used in skincare, aromatherapy and natural perfumes.

How is Petitgrain Oil used in skincare?

Petitgrain oil is a gentle, yet powerful botanical for oily, sensitive, or stressed-out skin. It balances sebum, calms inflammation, and subtly supports your skin barrier. Petitgrain oil is usually diluted in carrier oils like jojoba, grapeseed, or fractionated coconut. It plays well with other gentle essential oils like lavender, rosewood, or chamomile. Combined, these ingredients can be found in facial oils, toners, serums and aromatherapy balms.

What are the benefits of Petitgrain Oil for your complexion and skin microbiome?

Petitgrain Oil can be good for your skin microbiome, when used appropriately and diluted. It’s non-disruptive and supports balanced, healthy skin, especially because of its antimicrobial and calming properties. Here’s why petitgrain oil is beneficial to your skin health:

• Clarifying & Antimicrobial: Petitgrain oil contains natural compounds like linalool, geraniol, and alpha-terpineol, which are gentle antimicrobials. These help reduce bad bacteria (like acne-causing P. acnes) without wiping out your skin’s beneficial microbes, especially when used in moderation. It’s not like harsh alcohols or strong preservatives that nuke your microbiome.
• Balances Oil Production: Your skin microbiome thrives on a balanced oil environment. Petitgrain helps regulate excess sebum, creating a more stable, less inflamed surface where your commensal (good) bacteria can thrive. Petitgrain is especially good for combination and oily skin types in managing breakouts and congestion.
• Soothes Sensitive or Stressed Skin: Skin inflammation disrupts microbiome balance. Known to be anti-inflammatory and calming, petitgrain oil reduces redness, irritation, and that tight “angry skin” feeling—helping to preserve a stable ecosystem for healthy microbes. It’s great for skin that's reactive to environmental stress or over-exfoliation.

In short, petitgrain oil is a microbiome-supportive essential oil that helps balance oil, reduces inflammation and offers selective antimicrobial benefits—all without harming your good skin flora when used mindfully.