Neroli Oil: Benefits for Skin and Hair and How to Use It

Neroli essential oil is a fragrant ingredient derived from the bitter orange plant (Citrus aurantium). Its strong citrus scent is the reason it is used widely in perfumes, body lotions, and creams.

Neroli oil is ideal for skin and hair care because it has antibacterial, antifungal, (1) analgesic, anti-inflammatory, (2) and antioxidant properties. It works against oxidative stress caused by free radicals responsible for skin and hair problems, aging, etc.

It contains linalool, linalyl acetate, and nerolidol, which give the oil a soothing, calming, and relaxing effect on the skin.

Neroli essential oil is ideal for treating pimples and acne due to its antimicrobial properties. In one study, it helped treat fungal skin infections including ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. (3)

Neroli oil is a non-irritant, sensitizing, and nonphototoxic oil; however, it contains allergens. (3)(4)

Benefits of Neroli Oil for Skin and Hair  

Here are some of the benefits of using neroli oil for the skin and hair.

Benefits for the hair

Using neroli oil on hair can offer the following benefits.

1. Prevents hair dullness 

The antioxidant properties in neroli oil encourage healthy cell growth and boost and revitalize dull-looking hair. It is also helpful in treating scalp disorders such as dermatitis and scalp irritation. (3)

How to use:

1. Combine ¼ cup of aloe vera gel, 5 drops of neroli oil, and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar.
2. Mix them well, and store the mixture in a spray bottle.
3. Before using this mixture, shake it well. Spray it all over your hair.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 3–4 hours.
5. Rinse your hair with water.
6. Do this for 7 days in a row to see a difference in your hair quality.

2. Reduces scalp infection

As neroli oil is abundant in antimicrobial properties, it can get eliminate bacteria that can cause itching and redness on the scalp. It also works by getting rid of dead skin cells and excess sebum that accumulate on the scalp. (2)

How to use:

1. Add 3–4 drops of neroli essential oil to 4 tablespoons of castor oil or argan oil in a bowl. Mix them well.
2. Apply the oil blend to your hair, from the roots to the tips.
3. Leave it on for 1 hour.
4. Wash it off with a natural shampoo.
5. Do this twice a week for optimum results.

3. Eliminates dandruff

Neroli oil can eliminate dead skin and excess oil from the scalp, which can be some of the causes of dandruff. This oil also helps strengthen the hair roots and reduce hair fall.

A 2016 study showed that balancing bacteria and fungus on the scalp can help control dandruff. As neroli has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it helps to maintain a clear and clean scalp and curbs flakiness, dryness, and itchiness on the scalp. (5)

How to use:

1. Mix 2–3 drops of neroli oil with 2–3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Warm the mixture and apply it to your scalp in circular motions for 5–10 minutes.
3. Wash it off after 1 hour with a natural shampoo.

Benefits for the skin

Neroli oil is rich in vitamin C, which is one reason it is beneficial for the skin.

1. Combats acne

Neroli essential oil helps lessen acne and its related inflammation due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It can also be applied to the skin to reduce acne marks and scars. (6)

How to use:

1. Wash your face with a face wash.
2. Apply a few drops of neroli oil to the blemishes and pimples to get rid of them.

2. Reduces dark spots

Neroli oil can treat dark spots due to its skin regeneration properties. It removes all the impurities from the blood and prevents acne from forming.

Neroli oil prevents the discoloration of the skin due to acne as it contains various micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation caused by pimples. (7)

How to use:

• Wash your face with a gentle face wash. Blend 3–4 drops of neroli oil with 4 tablespoons of cold-pressed oil, and apply the mixture to your face and body.
• You can also add 1–2 drops of neroli oil to your face pack.

3. Prevents premature aging

Neroli essential oil contains citral, which helps in cell regeneration, thereby preventing premature skin aging. It can eliminate fine lines and make your skin smooth and firm. (3)

Neroli essential oil helps reduce wrinkles as it improves the skin’s elasticity. (8)

How to use:

1. Wash your face with a gentle face wash before bedtime.
2. Add 6–7 drops of neroli essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
3. Apply this mixture to your face.

4. Improves dry or oily skin

Neroli oil contains essential nutrients such as linalool, beta-pinene, alpha-terpineol, limonene, and neroli, making it a widely used ingredient in various skin care products for hypersensitive, oily, or tired skin. (9)

Studies also show that the citral in neroli oil helps to maintain the oil balance of the skin without making it dry. (8)

How to use:

1. Combine 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel and 10 drops of neroli oil in a clean glass bowl.
2. Store the mixture in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
3. Take a scoop and apply it on a well-cleansed face.

5. Provides antiseptic benefits

Neroli essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cell-regenerative properties, which make it an effective antiseptic agent to heal wounds and repair tissue. (2)

6. Reduces inflammation

Neroli essential oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties, and it can be used topically and consumed orally. It eliminates irritation and inflammation and positively affects the skin’s inflammatory responses.

One study reported that it has prominent impacts on inflammation-related diseases of the body. (2)

How to use it:

1. Add 5–6 drops of neroli essential oil and add 50 ml of fresh curd to a bowl.
2. Mix till the mixture looks fluffy.
3. Apply this pack to your face and let it sit for 30–40 minutes.
4. Wash it off with a gentle face wash or water.
5. Use this pack twice a week for optimum results.

Other Benefits of Neroli Oil

• Neroli oil can soothe, calm, and relax the body due to its soothing properties.
• The strong citrus scent of neroli oil helps eliminate anxiety and improves a person’s mood and well-being.
• Studies show that using neroli oil during menopause can help to reduce mean anxiety scores (10) in women.
• Neroli essential oil can be used as a natural antiseizure and anticonvulsant agent.
• Neroli oil helps to treat insomnia and epilepsy.
• Neroli is abundant in anti-inflammatory agents and can work to reduce acute and chronic inflammation in the body.
• When neroli oil is inhaled, it helps to relieve symptoms of menopause and high blood pressure.
• Neroli oil positively affects mood and relieves pain, inflammation, and indigestion.
• Neroli oil exerts antidepressant effects.

Precautions to Take Before Using Neroli Essential Oil 

1. Neroli oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before use as it can be pretty strong on the skin. Mix 2–6 drops of neroli essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil before using it.
2. Always perform a patch test on your skin before using it to determine if it causes skin allergies to you.
3. People with a citrus allergy should avoid applying or inhaling this oil. (10)
4. Neroli oil can increase the risk of sunburn as it contains coumarin ingredients; people with light-colored skin are at greater risk of this. (6)
5. Neroli oil contains limonene, which can cause side effects in some people. Thus, always ask your physician before consuming it orally.

General Queries Related to Neroli Oil for Hair

Final Word

Neroli essential oil is a fantastic ingredient to add to your skin and hair care routine due to its many benefits. But take proper precautions and consult your doctor before you use it regularly.

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