Bergamot essential oil: a calming, balancing, and sensorial ingredient
Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia) is one of the most cherished natural actives in sensorial skincare for its citrus, balancing aroma and its ability to soothe the skin. Originating from the Calabria region, this volatile oil forms part of the Mediterranean botanical tradition, with its use evolving from aromatherapy to conscious care formulations for skin, body, and hair.
In this article, we explore its benefits, how to use it safely, and how The Today Project incorporates it into two of its most sensorial formulas.
What is Bergamot Essential Oil?
Bergamot oil is extracted through cold-pressing the peel of the unripe Citrus bergamia fruit, a hybrid between lemon and bitter orange. Its organoleptic profile – fresh, floral, and slightly bitter – makes it one of the most used essential oils in perfumery and clean beauty.
According to a study published by Navarra et al. in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2015), bergamot oil possesses soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, especially beneficial for sensitive or stressed skin.
Key Cosmetic Benefits
✔️ Soothes irritated skin and scalp
Its ability to reduce inflammation and tightness makes it ideal for gentle products designed for frequent use.
✔️ Provides a revitalising aromatic experience
Its natural fragrance elevates daily self-care rituals, offering emotional balance.
✔️ Strengthens the skin barrier
In synergy with botanical oils or plant extracts, it helps soften the skin without disrupting its natural balance.
✔️ Ideal for combination or oily skin
Its light purifying action makes it useful in respectful cleansing formulas.
Is it Photosensitive? Precautions when using Bergamot
Bergamot oil contains furanocoumarins (such as bergapten) which can cause photosensitivity when exposed to sunlight. To avoid this:
Use only bergapten-free versions or apply in nighttime products.
In rinse-off products (such as gels or shampoos), it poses no risk.
For leave-on products, ensure it is bergapten-free if used during the day.
The Today Project uses safe and clean versions of bergamot oil, well-integrated into formulas that respect photoprotection and compatibility with all skin types.
The Today Project’s approach: Bergamot for body, face, and hair
At The Today Project, we select bergamot of controlled, natural origin, integrating it into formulas designed to elevate daily care with scent, calm, and efficacy. Both products are formulated under our clean sensorial innovation philosophy: respecting the natural balance of skin and hair without compromising the pleasure of ritual. You will find it in:
A sensorial cleansing gel with gentle surfactants and revitalising bergamot. Ideal for skin seeking effective cleansing without dryness or irritation.
A nourishing hair treatment that softens strands, reduces frizz, and soothes the scalp with bergamot, argan oil, and other botanical actives.
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Yes. When used correctly, bergamot essential oil can soothe sensitive or stressed skin due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Always choose bergapten-free versions for daytime leave-on products to avoid photosensitivity.
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Bergamot oil contains furanocoumarins like bergapten, which can cause photosensitivity when exposed to sunlight. To use it safely:
Choose bergapten-free formulations for leave-on products used during the day.
Use traditional bergamot oils in nighttime treatments.
In rinse-off products, it poses no risk.
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Description text goes heBergamot oil has a fresh, floral, and slightly bitter citrus aroma, offering a revitalising and balancing scent ideal for sensorial skincare rituals.
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Yes. Its light purifying action helps regulate oil without disrupting the skin’s natural balance, making it ideal for combination or oily skin types.
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Absolutely. Bergamot oil soothes irritated scalps, reduces frizz, and adds shine and smoothness to hair, making it a versatile ingredient in clean haircare formulations.
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The Today Project integrates high-quality, clean, and safe bergamot oil in its sensorial formulas, such as:
Orange & Bergamot Cleansing Gel for gentle yet effective cleansing.
Radiant Bergamot Hair Mask for nourishing, smoothing, and calming hair treatments.
In Summary
Bergamot essential oil is more than just an exquisite aroma: it is a soothing, balancing, and sensorial active that brings wellbeing to both skin and mind. When used safely and in synergy with clean ingredients, it becomes a key ingredient in conscious and circular beauty.
The Today Project integrates it as part of its commitment to effective, responsible, and emotionally comforting formulas.
