Tangerine

Description: Similar to orange, tangerine is a bright aroma. it smells just like the fresh fruit.

Scientific Name: Citrus Tangerina

Extraction Method: cold-pressed

Tangerine Essential Oil: A Practical Guide to Its History, Properties, Uses, and Benefits

Tangerine essential oil is derived from the peel of Citrus reticulata var. tangerina (a variety of mandarin). Extracted primarily by cold-pressing the rind of nearly ripe fruit, this oil is known for its sweet, bright, and fruity citrus aroma. It’s widely utilized in natural perfumery, diffuser blends, skincare formulations, and in traditional aromatic practices for its uplifting scent and gentle citrus character. [AromaWeb]

Extraction Process and Aroma

Tangerine essential oil is most commonly produced via cold expression (cold pressing) of the fruit peel, preserving its volatile monoterpenes and aromatic integrity. The oil typically appears pale yellow to greenish-orange and is noticeably thin in consistency. [New Directions]

The aroma profile is fresh, sweet, and citrusy—more vibrant and delicate than sweet orange essential oil. It has a gentle, fruity brightness with subtle floral and aldehydic notes, making it a favored top note in aromatic blends. [AromaWeb]

Famous People and Historical Significance

Tangerine fruits were first introduced to Europe through the port of Tangier (Morocco) in the mid‑19th century, which is how they got their name. Over time, tangerines became culturally significant in Chinese spring festivals as symbols of luck and prosperity. While essential oil usage dates to modern times, the fruit itself has held symbolic value for centuries. [Nikura]

Introduced to Europe in mid-1800s, named after Tangier trade port
Citrus reticulata species has long cultural significance in China, often displayed during spring for emotional refreshment. [Miracle Botanicals]

Chemical Composition and Commentary

According to compositional analyses, tangerine essential oil is dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, especially d‑limonene in the 74–95% range. [PMC Study] [New Directions]

d‑Limonene (74–95%)—primary component contributing to the sweet citrus scent and mild cleansing character. [PMC Study] [New Directions]
γ‑Terpinene (~10‑11%), α‑Phellandrene, camphene, β‑Pinene, sabinene, β‑Myrcene, o‑Cymene, small amounts of nonanal, octanal, linalool. [PMC Study] [ResearchGate]

Alpha- and beta-pinene, sabinene, and myrcene contribute subtle herbal complexity and serve as supporting aroma notes. [PMC Study]

Biotransformation studies suggest that limonene and pinene metabolites may influence fragrance persistence when inhaled, though this is being studied mostly in controlled settings. [PMC Review]

Traditional and Aromatherapeutic Uses

Commonly used in diffuser blends to evoke brightness and mental uplift without harshness—ideal for daytime or creative spaces. [doTERRA] [AromaWeb]
Used in natural perfumery and fragrance compositions to deliver a fresh, fruity top note, often paired with florals or woods.
Included in cosmetic skincare formulations (very low dilution, typically <1%) to add fragrance and sensory brightness—photo‑sensitivity is a consideration. [UpCircle]

Emerging research shows that inhaling tangerine essential oil may support faster sleep onset and alterations in brainwave activity—higher beta and reduced alpha waves—suggesting an alert but relaxed state. [PMC Study]

Varieties

Variety	Source	Aroma Profile	Typical Use
Tangerine Peel Oil	Citrus reticulata var. tangerina peel	Sweet citrus, light, fruity	Diffusers, perfumery, skincare scent
Mandarin Oil (Green/Red)	Citrus reticulata	Green: zesty; Red: deeper sweet citrus	Complementary citrus blending

Extraction Methods

Cold Expression: Traditional method, preserving most aromatic compounds.
Steam Distillation: Less common for peel oils—yields lower aromatic intensity.

Quality hydrated oil sources tend to originate from Brazil, the USA, China, or Italy. Premium oils are stored in dark glass containers, confirmed by GC‑MS analysis for composition and purity. [New Directions]

Safety and Precautions

Phototoxicity: Tangerine oil may be phototoxic—avoid sun exposure for several hours after topical use. Dilute to <1% when used on skin. [AromaWeb] [Nikura]
Skin Sensitization: Oxidized oil may cause irritation or allergic response. Store in cool, dark places and use well within 1–2 years.
Respiratory Caution: Inhalation of undiluted oil may irritate sensitive individuals—start with minimal diffusion intensity. [SDS]
Medication Interactions: Limonene may influence liver metabolism (CYP3A4)—consult a qualified practitioner before use if taking medication. [WebMD]

Fun Fact

In fMRI-based studies, inhalation of tangerine essential oil altered brain wave activity—reducing slow and fast alpha waves and increasing low-to-mid beta waves, suggesting its aroma can subtly shift mental alertness and mood. [PMC Study]

References

Disclaimer: The above information relates to studies of specific individual essential oil ingredients, some of which are used in the essential oil blends for various MONQ diffusers. Please note, however, that while individual ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs.Why? It works better that way