Physical & Chemical Properties of Orange Seed Oil

Scientists are only beginning to explore the benefits of orange seed oil. Derived from the seeds of the Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit, orange seed oil can be used in cosmetics and other personal care items. These particular oranges grow in parts of South America and Africa, and rather than cultivated sweet oranges just for their seeds, orange seed oil manufacturers often use oranges that would normally be discarded.

Sensory Characteristics

• Orange seed oil is pale yellow in color. It has a slightly sweet aroma, but is generally flavorless.

Fatty Acids

• Orange seed oil is composed of three primary fatty acids: palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Trace amounts of linoleic acid are also present. These acids all make excellent base ingredients for a variety of personal care items. Additionally, linoleic acid is one of two fatty acids that the human body cannot produce for itself.

Chemical Properties

• Orange seed oil has a pH level of 3.69, a refractive index of 1.47 at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and a specific gravity of .920 at 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature Properties

• Orange seed oil does not freeze solid, but congeals at about 10 degrees Fahrenheit and gels at -4 degrees. Orange seed oil begins to smoke at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and catches fire at 343 degrees Fahrenheit.