Organic Red Mandarin Oil – The Gentle Comforter
Benefits at a Glance
- Sweet, fruity & warm: The scent of ripe Italian mandarins – sweet, soft and irresistibly comforting. Sunshine and childhood in a bottle.
- The calming citrus: Red mandarin is the gentlest of all citrus oils – it calms, soothes and eases tension without making you drowsy.
- Loved by children: One of the few essential oils recommended by aromatherapists for children – its soft, sweet character is universally adored.
- Organic quality: 100% pure and natural, cold-pressed from the peel. Certified organic. From Italian citrus groves.
Application & Special Features
Application:
In a diffuser for a sweet, calming atmosphere. Diluted in carrier oil for gentle skincare and relaxing massage. As a comforting evening scent.
Targeted uses:
In a diffuser (4-6 drops) for a warm, soothing atmosphere – perfect for winding down in the evening or creating a calm space for children. For skincare, add 1-2 drops to 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g. Organic MCT Oil) for a gentle, nourishing facial oil (use in the evening only – mandarin oil is phototoxic). For a relaxing bath, mix 3-4 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and add to warm water. Tip: Red mandarin in the diffuser 30 minutes before bedtime creates a beautifully calm atmosphere for the whole family.
Perfect Blending Partners
Red Mandarin is a sweet top note with a warm, fruity character:
- For floral calm: Lavender (sweet mandarin meets floral calm – the ultimate bedtime blend for children and adults).
- For citrus harmony: Sweet Orange (two Italian citrus jewels together – warm, sweet and pure Mediterranean joy).
- For sophisticated depth: Petitgrain (sweet fruit meets green leaves – an elegant, layered citrus blend).
Italy's Gentlest Citrus
From sun-drenched Italian groves, where warm Mediterranean days and cool nights create mandarins of exceptional sweetness. The scent that brings comfort to any moment.
Cold-pressed, not distilled: This mandarin oil is cold-pressed from the peel – not steam-distilled. Cold pressing preserves the full aromatic complexity, including the delicate top notes and the characteristic warm, sweet depth. This is why cold-pressed mandarin smells richer and more true-to-fruit. Note: Cold-pressed citrus oils are mildly phototoxic – avoid direct sun exposure for 12 hours after skin application.
Product Information
- Plant: Red Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
- Part used: Fruit peel
- Extraction: Cold pressing (expression)
- Quality: 100% pure and natural essential oil (Organic)
- Origin: Italy
- Main components: Limonene (65-75%), gamma-Terpinene (15-22%), alpha-Pinene, Myrcene, Methyl methylanthranilate (trace)
- Packaging: Amber glass bottle with dropper – airtight and light-protected
The Scent Profile
- Main aroma: Sweet, fruity and warm – the unmistakable scent of a perfectly ripe mandarin. Softer and rounder than orange, with a comforting, almost honey-like sweetness.
- Secondary note: Slightly floral with a delicate, almost grape-like nuance that distinguishes it from other citrus oils.
- Nuance: A subtle, warm undertone from methyl methylanthranilate – a trace molecule that gives mandarin its unique, velvety character and separates it from orange.
Intensity: Medium – sweet, warm and enveloping. Red mandarin is the comfort scent among citrus oils – soft, round and universally appealing.
The Professor's Knowledge: The Scent Note
Red mandarin oil is fascinating because its character is defined not by its dominant molecule, but by a trace one. While Limonene (65-75%) forms the citrus base – just as in orange oil – it's Methyl methylanthranilate (present in tiny amounts, typically under 1%) that creates the distinctive mandarin character. This nitrogen-containing compound is unusual in essential oils and gives mandarin its unique, sweet, almost grape-like nuance. Gamma-Terpinene (15-22%) is significantly higher than in orange oil and adds a fresh, slightly herbal dimension. Alpha-Pinene provides a subtle green-fresh lift. The "red" in "red mandarin" refers to the fruit's ripeness – the oil is pressed from fully ripe fruit with deep orange-red skin, which produces a sweeter, warmer oil than green mandarin (pressed from unripe fruit). Studies have confirmed mandarin oil's anxiolytic properties – its calming effect is measurable, not just perceived. This makes it one of the most valued oils in paediatric aromatherapy, where gentle effectiveness is paramount.
The Plant
Citrus reticulata (Mandarin) is a small evergreen tree from the Rutaceae (citrus) family. Native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years, the name "mandarin" derives from the Chinese imperial officials (mandarins), as the fruit was a traditional gift to the rulers. Brought to Europe in the early 19th century, mandarin thrived in the Mediterranean climate, with Italy becoming one of the world's premier mandarin-growing regions. The tree reaches 3-6 metres in height, smaller than most citrus trees, with fragrant white flowers and the familiar loose-skinned, sweet fruits. The peel is thinner than orange and particularly rich in aromatic oil glands. Red mandarin refers to the fully ripe stage, when the peel develops its deepest colour and the aromatic oils reach their maximum sweetness and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is red mandarin oil suitable for children?
Red mandarin is one of the most recommended essential oils for children in aromatherapy. In the diffuser, it is suitable for children over 3 years in low doses. Its soft, sweet scent is universally loved by children, and its calming properties make it ideal for bedtime routines. For skin application on children, always dilute well (1 drop in 10 ml carrier oil).
Is red mandarin oil phototoxic?
Yes. Cold-pressed red mandarin oil is mildly phototoxic due to trace furanocoumarins. Avoid direct sun or UV exposure for 12 hours after applying to the skin. For daytime use on exposed skin, use the oil only in the diffuser.
What is the difference between red and green mandarin?
Both come from Citrus reticulata, but at different ripeness stages. Red mandarin (from ripe fruit) is sweeter, warmer and more calming. Green mandarin (from unripe fruit) is fresher, more zesty and slightly more energising. Red is generally preferred for relaxation and children.
How does mandarin differ from orange oil?
Both are sweet citrus oils, but mandarin is softer, rounder and more delicate. The key difference is methyl methylanthranilate – a trace compound in mandarin that gives it a distinctive, velvety sweetness that orange lacks. Mandarin is also considered gentler and more suitable for sensitive individuals and children.
Can I use mandarin for skincare?
Yes. Diluted in carrier oil (1-2 drops in 10 ml), mandarin is gentle and well tolerated. It is traditionally valued for stretch marks, scars and dull skin. Always use in the evening due to phototoxicity, and perform a patch test first.
How should I store the oil?
Keep away from direct light and heat. Citrus oils are more sensitive to oxidation than many other essential oils. The amber glass bottle helps protect from UV. Close tightly and use within 1-2 years of opening for best quality.
Choose Your Size
Organic Red Mandarin Oil from Italy
10 ml Bottle
7,00 €
The gentle citrus for your evening ritual.
Recommended
30 ml Bottle
15,75 €
The best choice for families. You save!
Important Safety Information
- Use only diluted. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Phototoxic: Avoid direct sun or UV exposure for 12 hours after skin application.
- During pregnancy, consult your doctor before use.
- May cause skin sensitisation – always perform a patch test.
- Do not ingest.