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What is Bergamot Lotion?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Bergamot lotion is an emollient that has been scented with bergamot essential oil. The oil is extracted from a citrus fruit that is comparable to the lemon and the grapefruit. The fruit is rarely used for culinary purposes, but the essential oil is often used to scent Earl Grey and Lady Grey tea. When added to fragrances and skin products, this essential oil provides a fresh, citrusy, uplifting scent.

Most lotions that include bergamot oil are intended for the body, not for the face. One of the reasons that bergamot lotion is rarely intended for use on the face is that the oil can cause the skin to be more sensitive and can increase the risk of sunburn. For this reason, those with fair or sensitive skin should not use bergamot lotion, especially not before long outings or any other activity that will expose the skin to the sun for a long period of time.

Bergamot lotion.
Bergamot lotion.

Bergamot is commonly used for aromatherapeutic purposes. It is believed that the scent can help to balance the emotions and improve one's mood. The scent is also believed to help reduce stress. For these reasons, bergamot lotion is good to use before sleeping or resting. Using the lotion before going to bed at night is a great way to enjoy the aromatherapeutic benefits of bergamot without worrying about an increased risk of sunburn.

A bergamot orange.
A bergamot orange.

There are many companies that sell bergamot lotion as part of their product lines. In fact, bergamot is one of the oldest oils to be used in body fragrance. It is widely used in perfumes, colognes, and other scented body products. Some companies mix bergamot with other fragrances in their lotions, especially lavender, lemon verbena, jasmine, and sandalwood.

Bergamot essential oil, which is sometimes used to make bergamot lotion.
Bergamot essential oil, which is sometimes used to make bergamot lotion.

While bergamot lotion is rarely intended for use on the face, there are some that are intended for use on other specific body parts such as the hands or the feet. Others are used for all over body moisturizing. Lotions for the feet are often quite thick as they are formulated to moisturize and soothe the dry skin and calluses on the bottoms of the feet. Anyone concerned about the appearance of aging may avoid using bergamot lotion on the hands, which usually develop age spots and wrinkles as quickly as the face and neck if not more quickly.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Bergamot lotion.
      By: MM
      Bergamot lotion.
    • A bergamot orange.
      By: Unclesam
      A bergamot orange.
    • Bergamot essential oil, which is sometimes used to make bergamot lotion.
      By: wolfelarry
      Bergamot essential oil, which is sometimes used to make bergamot lotion.
    • Some bergamot lotions are meant for use on calluses of the feet.
      By: amaxim
      Some bergamot lotions are meant for use on calluses of the feet.
    • Some types of bergamot lotion are formulated to be used on the hands.
      By: roblan
      Some types of bergamot lotion are formulated to be used on the hands.