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Latin Name: Citrus reticulata

Description: Mandarin comes from small evergreen trees with glossy leaves, fragrant flowers and orange fruit. The essential oil is a yellow-orange oil that is expressed from the peel of the almost ripe fruit.

Largest Producing Countries: Italy, Spain, Algeria, Cyprus, Greece, Brazil, USA

Scent: Tangy, delicate, sweet, floral citrus top notes with deep, warm undertones. Blends well with other citrus and spicy oils, as well as neroli, lavender, ylang ylang, geranium and cypress.

Properties: Mandarin essential oil is one of the safest essential oils and is particularly recommended for use on children and during pregnancy. It is an uplifting, cheering and soothing oil. Mandarin essential oil is commonly used in skin healing and rejuvenation formulas to fight infections and help tone the skin. Its properties increase circulation to the skin, reduce fluid retention and thus, can help prevent the onset of stretch marks. Psychologically, mandarin is strengthening and helps to relieve stress, calm an overactive mind and promote restful sleep. It is also used to help aid digestion.

Precautions: Grapefruit oil is non-toxic and non-sensitizing. However, as with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction.

Phototoxicity: Mandarin oil is not considered to be phototoxic.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of mandarin oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

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Latin Name: Citrus bergamia

Family: Rutaceae

Description: Bergamot is named after the city of Bergamo, Italy where most of its trade originated. The tree can grow up to 13 feet tall and bears small, inedible (because they are sour and bitter) citrus fruits. Bergamot essential oil is expressed from the peel of the almost-ripe fruit. It takes about one hundred fruits to make 3 ounces of essential oil.

Countries of origin: Italy, Mediterranean countries and United States (California)

Scent: Bergamot has sweet, lemony top notes with warm, floral and spicy undertones. It blends well with other florals and citruses. Some may recognize the scent as it is used in Earl Grey Tea.

Properties: Bergamot is called a ‘sunny’ essential oil and may help to reduce anxiety, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The oil is cheering, calming and uplifting. Bergamot oil is also the go-to essential oil for treating urinary tract infections because it has antiseptic properties. Some also use it to regulate appetite or in facial creams to help with oily skin and acne.

Precautions: Do not use if you have very sensitive skin. With any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Phototoxicity: Bergamot oil may cause photosensitivity, which means it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds after using products containing phototoxic ingredients can lead to irritation. It is best to avoid exposure to strong sunlight or tanning bed rays for 24 hours after using products containing this essential oil.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Bergamot Oil: Our Whipped Sugar Scrub in Lavender Bergamot is a calming blend of these two wonderful essential oils.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of bergamot oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.