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Plant extracts

Lemon peel oil

Also listed as citrus limon peel oil, lemon oil

A citrus flavouring in toothpaste and mouthwash. Adds taste; no oral-health effect has been shown.

No real evidenceTypical strength: Trace amounts for flavour

What it is

Lemon peel oil is pressed from lemon rind and used for flavour and scent. Its main components (limonene and citral) are common fragrance allergens, which is why EU labels must name them above set levels.

How strong is the evidence?

No real evidence

There is no clinical evidence that lemon oil in oral-care products benefits teeth or gums. It is a flavouring.

What it's used for, checked

Flavour

Holds up

That is its job.

Whitens or cleans teeth

Unproven

No evidence; acidic lemon juice (not the oil) can erode enamel.

Who should be careful

  • People allergic to fragrance components (limonene, citral) may react with lip or mouth irritation.
  • Cold-pressed lemon oil makes skin sensitive to sunlight in leave-on skin products; this is not a concern in toothpaste that is rinsed away.