Grapefruit
Citrus X Paradisi
Grapefruit Oil is a citrusy and tangy essential oil that smells refreshing and light. It can be used to help balance your mood, as well as an aid to weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet. It can help to reduce blood pressure and feelings of anxiety. In skincare, it has been used in some cases to treat acne.
History of Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit Oil is a beautiful citrus oil, with an uplifting, tangy and fruity scent. It also goes by the names of Citrus Maxima and Citrus Xparadisi. The grapefruit itself originated in Asia and it was only recognised as a species in the 1800's! However, there are mentions of the grapefruit tree being the ‘forbidden fruit’ tree found in biblical texts. Aside from these mentions, there are no standout times in history where Grapefruit Oil was present, and that is probably due to its relatively new ‘discovery’ in the aforementioned 1800's. Although it hasn’t got a tonne of history behind it, it is still a popular essential oil in aromatherapy, perfumery and skincare. It is mostly grown in tropical conditions due to it needing a damp but hot climate, and currently its biggest distributors are the USA, Israel and South Africa.
So, despite its lack of history - what keeps Grapefruit Oil popular and current?
Even though it hasn’t got vast historical use, Grapefruit Oil is becoming increasingly popular in the essential oil community. One of the reasons could be due to the number of health benefits associated with the grapefruit itself, as it’s been a part of skincare routines as well as weight-loss and other fad diets since the early 90s. There are a number of commercial skincare products that include grapefruit extract in them, ranging from facial washes, cleansers, serums and facial masks!
Due to its distinct citrus scent and taste, it has also been used extensively in perfumery. Dolce & Gabbanna, Acqua Di Parma and other high end fashion houses have included grapefruit in their scents, and it is often associated with luxury products and homeware accessories like reed diffusers and candles. It has the ability to work as a standalone fragrance or completely transform a fragrance when mixed with others, making it an incredibly versatile citrus oil.
In aromatherapy it is a great essential oil to improve mood and boost concentration, and has similar properties to other citrus essential oils that we all know and love. We can’t predict how Grapefruit Oil will perform in future decades, but since its discovery it is clearly popular for a reason! It is a multi-use oil which smells luxurious, without the giant price tag to accompany it.
Extracting Grapefruit Oil
Like most citrus oils, Grapefruit Oil is extracted by cold pressing, a common method which involves using a cold press to squeeze the rind of the grapefruit with force to extract the oil from its porous skin. Another process which can be used to extract Grapefruit Oil is steam distillation, although not as popular.
It uses steam to gently lift the oil from the rind of the fruit, where it then condenses in a separate tank. The oil is then skimmed from the top and the essential oil is thus created! Both methods can be used commercially, but often distributors will pick a process which yields them the highest quantity and quality of oil, which is why cold pressing in this instance is probably preferred.
Can I make Grapefruit Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are a few ways in which you can make Grapefruit Oil at home, although it may not be 100% ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’, it’s still a great way to get some of the benefits of Grapefruit Oil whilst making it at home. The first method you can use is via a cold press, which you can either rent or buy depending on your budget. Simply put the washed peel into the cold press and follow the steps to extract the oil.
The second method you could use is steam distillation, which again would require you to own a small steam distillation unit. However, if you do make essential oils often - it’s worth the investment. The third option that you can do is wash the peel of a grapefruit and put it in a small cheesecloth pocket and place in a carrier oil. Keep this on a low heat for 6-8 hours and then remove. You’ll have Grapefruit Oil infused carrier oil which you can use for skincare, creating soaps and other homemade beauty products.
Can I make Grapefruit Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are a few ways in which you can make Grapefruit Oil at home, although it may not be 100% ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’, it’s still a great way to get some of the benefits of Grapefruit Oil whilst making it at home. The first method you can use is via a cold press, which you can either rent or buy depending on your budget. Simply put the washed peel into the cold press and follow the steps to extract the oil.
The second method you could use is steam distillation, which again would require you to own a small steam distillation unit. However, if you do make essential oils often - it’s worth the investment. The third option that you can do is wash the peel of a grapefruit and put it in a small cheesecloth pocket and place in a carrier oil. Keep this on a low heat for 6-8 hours and then remove. You’ll have Grapefruit Oil infused carrier oil which you can use for skincare, creating soaps and other homemade beauty products.
Grapefruit Oil Varieties
Grapefruit Oil Varieties
There are a few varieties of Grapefruit Oil that you can purchase, namely pink, red and white. Just like the fruit, there is pink fleshed grapefruit, red fleshed grapefruit and white fleshed grapefruit, and you are able to find these as oils, too. All three fruits are similar in terms of their texture, scent and overall makeup, but the aesthetics differ in terms of their colour. Within these three parent types are other grapefruits such as flame, duncan and and melogold to name a few; however it can be difficult to distinguish between the oils as it may not be stated by the supplier.
This is because practically all Grapefruit Oils have the same properties, the scent may just differ slightly. This is different to other citrus oils on the market which can be categorised by variety as they all have strengths when targeting issues in aromatherapy, but the same can’t be said for Grapefruit Oil.
So, which variety of Grapefruit Oil should I use?
There isn’t a specific variety of Grapefruit Oil that is claimed as the ultimate variety to use, so you can assume any variety that you purchase will give you the same results, providing it is 100% essential oil or ‘absolute’ essential oil. This should be disclosed by your supplier so you know that it isn’t mixed with any carrier oils or chemicals that would discredit it being 100% absolute.
With essential oils a lot of your decision making when a specific variety isn’t identified will be the scent, especially if you are looking to create a perfume or home scent. We also recommend speaking with others in the Essentially Yours community who can tell you which Grapefruit Oil has worked well for them and why! This may help you make your decision on which variation you’d like to purchase.
What do you think of Grapefruit Oil? Is there a particular variety that you know and love? We’d love to learn more about this wonderful oil, so feel free to submit your stories and advice to the team today!
This is because practically all Grapefruit Oils have the same properties, the scent may just differ slightly. This is different to other citrus oils on the market which can be categorised by variety as they all have strengths when targeting issues in aromatherapy, but the same can’t be said for Grapefruit Oil.
So, which variety of Grapefruit Oil should I use?
There isn’t a specific variety of Grapefruit Oil that is claimed as the ultimate variety to use, so you can assume any variety that you purchase will give you the same results, providing it is 100% essential oil or ‘absolute’ essential oil. This should be disclosed by your supplier so you know that it isn’t mixed with any carrier oils or chemicals that would discredit it being 100% absolute.
With essential oils a lot of your decision making when a specific variety isn’t identified will be the scent, especially if you are looking to create a perfume or home scent. We also recommend speaking with others in the Essentially Yours community who can tell you which Grapefruit Oil has worked well for them and why! This may help you make your decision on which variation you’d like to purchase.
What do you think of Grapefruit Oil? Is there a particular variety that you know and love? We’d love to learn more about this wonderful oil, so feel free to submit your stories and advice to the team today!
Benefits of Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit Oil is a fairly ‘new’ essential oil on the market, after the fruit was discovered in the late 1700's and rose to commercial popularity in the 1800's. Part of the citrus fruit family, grapefruit has a distinct smell and taste, which has enabled it to become a key player in cooking, skincare, perfumery and aromatherapy industries!
So, what are the benefits of Grapefruit Oil?
Antibacterial and antimicrobial
Both of these properties make Grapefruit Oil great contenders for skincare use, as well as being used as a bug repellent/deterrent when used topically. We recommend blending with other essential oils that possess these benefits for a double pronged attack!
Reduces stress and anxiety
Whether used in aromatherapy, or massaged into the skin, Grapefruit Oil has been proven to reduce stress and anxious feelings which is a bonus if you are looking for those qualities in an essential oil.
Effective on sensitive and acne-prone skin
There’s a reason why grapefruit is so popular in skincare products, and that’s because it’s effective but not too harsh on sensitive and acne- prone skin. Whether you add a few drops into a carrier oil to make a serum, or use it to help tone your skin and tighten pores, Grapefruit Oil is a great essential oil to have if you are looking for natural remedies in your skincare regime.
Can suppress appetite
Just like the flesh of the fruit and its juice, Grapefruit Oil can work to suppress appetite and curb cravings when used in moderation along with having a balanced diet.
Boosts metabolism
Similar to suppressing appetite, using Grapefruit Oil can overall boost your metabolism and help you to digest and utilise your energy quickly and efficiently! Great to use alongside a healthy balanced diet and grapefruit juice or flesh, too.
Instills a calm feeling in your body
When used in aromatherapy Grapefruit Oil is incredibly effective at making you feel calm, at ease and peaceful. Whether on its own or in conjunction with other calming essential oils, the effect that this oil has on you is practically instant.
Please note that the benefits of Grapefruit Oil may vary from person to person, as everybody can react differently to essential oils depending on what they use it for. If you are someone who is on prescription medication for your skin or other conditions that an essential oil can help you with, please make sure to consult with your doctor or dermatologist before using. Also, ensure that you always mix an essential oil with a carrier oil when applying topically to avoid irritation.
Uses of Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit Oil is a popular citrus essential oil that is considered ‘new’ due to it only being discovered around 250 years ago. Unlike most essential oils it hasn’t got a vast amount of history backing its benefits and other claims, however it has already ingrained itself into the beauty, perfumery and skincare industry as a high end addition to most products. Whether it’s a brightening night serum or base notes to a designer perfume, Grapefruit Oil is undoubtedly unique in its fragrance and how it works in a number of different products.
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy Grapefruit Oil is used on its own or in conjunction with other essential oils to create calming blends that can boost your mood and aid restful sleep. The oil works well with other citrus oils as well as florals such as Lavender Oil and Jasmine Oil to target a number of problems that aromatherapy can solve.
Perfume
Blend with other essential oils and create a layered and complex DIY perfume which will cost a fraction of the price in comparison to your high end perfume. TIP: Google one of your favourite perfumes and research the notes - then try and recreate using your essential oil collection! You’ll be surprised at the outcome.
Weight loss
Just like the juice and the flesh of the fruit, Grapefruit Oil can work to help you lose weight as it boosts your metabolism and curbs your hunger. Ensure that if you’re looking to lose weight you use this method alongside a healthy balanced diet.
Skincare products
Whether it’s a topical application onto pimples, or massaging into scars and discolouration to brighten your skin, Grapefruit Oil has a number of uses in skin care and can really transform your complexion. One of our favourites is creating a facial toner using rose water, a few drops of Grapefruit Oil and a few drops of Jojoba Oil - perfect!
Scenting the home
Whether it’s a DIY candle, or just putting a few drops into your electric diffuser, Grapefruit Oil can refresh and beautifully scent any room. Try mixing grapefruit, jasmine and lemon together and you can thank us later! You could also pop this mixture in a spray bottle with water, shake before use and use as a linen spray or to refresh fabric furniture.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil, or looking up the latest blends - our website has all the information you’ll need! In this blog we’re going to talk about Grapefruit Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
Creamy, rich and indulgent, Coconut Oil is a carrier oil which is great if you’re looking to create massage oils and enriching skin and hair care treatments. One of our favourite ways to use this oil is as a night oil with a few drops of Grapefruit Oil in it! Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so we recommend using a tub to create a pre-made blend that you can use each night! Simply rub your finger into the mixture and it’ll melt the oil, then apply to your face.
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Jojoba Oil
Another favourite of ours, Jojoba Oil is the perfect carrier oil if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Simply combine with some Grapefruit Oil to make a great daily moisturiser and keep your face hydrated all day long.
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Almond Oil
Silky and a little sweet, we love mixing Almond Oil and Grapefruit Oil together to make a massage oil to use on sore, tired muscles. You could also warm this oil slightly before applying, especially in colder months.
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Lavender Oil
We love blending these two together because Lavender Oil complements virtually any essential oil on the market. You can use this blend to make a calming remedy before bed that can be burnt in a candle or in an electric diffuser.
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Lemon Oil
Tangy and citrusy, lemon and grapefruit go together perfectly to create an uplifting and awakening blend, or to make cleaning products such as wood polish or floor cleaner. Ensure that you are mixing with a natural cleaning agent such as vinegar or alcohol to get maximum antibacterial effects.
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Orange Oil
Sweet and tart, orange and grapefruit work to create a soothing massage rub when combined with one of the above carrier oils.
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Peppermint Oil
Refreshing and cooling, use these two oils blended together to create a chest rub or mixture to be inhaled. It will soothe the respiratory system and help you feel less decongested when sick.
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Bergamot Oil
Fragrant and floral, we love this blend as it can be used in aromatherapy to instill a feeling of tranquility when used together. You could even add a few drops of Jasmine to this blend and have a beautiful scent that would be suitable as a linen spray or used in an electric diffuser to refresh a room.
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