d-Limonene is a naturally occurring compound found in the rinds of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes. It is a type of terpene with the chemical formula C10H16. Widely used in the cosmetic, food, and cleaning industries, d-Limonene is prized for its pleasant citrus fragrance, solvent properties, and potential health benefits.

Chemical Composition and Structure
d-Limonene is a monocyclic monoterpene and is one of the most common terpenes in nature. Its structure includes a single ring with a double bond, contributing to its reactivity and fragrance.

Chemical Formula: C10H16
Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
Structure:
CH2C(CH3)CH(CH2CH3)CH2CH2CH2CH 2C(CH 3)CH(CH2CH3)CH2CH2CH2CH2
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Physical Properties
d-Limonene typically appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, sweet citrus odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, making it versatile in various formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications

Fragrance: d-Limonene is commonly used as a fragrance component in perfumes, lotions, and other personal care products due to its refreshing citrus scent.

Solvent: Its excellent solvent properties make it useful in formulations for cleaning and degreasing, as well as in products like nail polish removers.

Skin Conditioning: d-Limonene can also act as a skin-conditioning agent, providing a fresh, clean feel to the skin.

Antioxidant: It has potential antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radical damage.

Antimicrobial: d-Limonene exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can enhance the preservation and safety of cosmetic formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

d-Limonene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, especially at high concentrations. Proper formulation and dilution are crucial to minimize potential adverse effects. Environmentally, d-Limonene is biodegradable and considered to have a low impact when used responsibly.

Effectiveness and Usage


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
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