Using the CITRUS OILS

Using the CITRUS OILS

Feb 14, 2021

doTERRA has a variety of citrus oils, including Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, and Wild Orange. All citrus oils come from the rind of the fruit. Citrus essential oils are also all produced using cold expression, also known as cold-pressing. These are also great oils to take internally or diffuse. Though you can use them topically, be sure to avoid sunlight for 12 hours after when applying the oil directly to your skin, whether Neat or diluted for sensitive skin.


The most notable similarity between the six citrus essential oils is their ability to affect the emotions. Most of these oils, including Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, and Wild Orange can help uplift your mood or your energy levels. On the other hand, Bergamot is calming and soothing to the emotions. The best way to use citrus oils for mood or emotional balance is to use them topically on the back of your neck or the bottom of your feet, or aromatically in a diffuser. Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange also are excellent at purifying the air as they are diffused.


Read on for more details on the uses that make each citrus oil unique.

Bergamot oil

How to use Bergamot oil

  • Diffuse in the classroom, at work, or at home when stress is high
  • Add to your soap while showering and inhale deeply to experience its soothing aroma while enjoying its purifying skin benefits
  • Change regular tea to Earl Grey by adding in one to two drops
  • Apply to the feet before bedtime for a sense of calm and harmony
  • Add one to two drops to your next DIY skin care cleanser
  • Make your own perfume or cologne—mixes well with Lavender, Patchouli, Lime, and Arborvitae
  • Diffuse for a sense of self-confidence
  • Use with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a calming and relaxing massage

Grapefruit oil

How to use Grapefruit oil

  • Add Grapefruit essential oil to your nightly facial routine to improve the appearance of blemishes
  • Diffuse Grapefruit essential oil while trying to lose weight to help increase motivation
  • Add one to two drops to your water to support a healthy metabolism*
  • For a soothing massage that leaves behind a light fragrance, use Grapefruit
  • Help smooth your skin by adding two to three drops to your body scrub and body wash
  • Diffuse Grapefruit to promote a sense of focus while studying or reading

Lemon oil

How to use Lemon oil

  • Put two to three drops in a veggie capsule or water to naturally cleanse the body and aid in digestion*
  • Supports healthy respiratory function when taken internally in water or a veggie capsule*
  • Take internally to help with seasonal respiratory discomfort*
  • Add 10 drops to a glass spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces
  • Add a few drops to olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes
  • Mix 10 drops with ¼ cup vinegar and ¼ cup olive oil to preserve and protect your leather furniture or other leather surfaces
  • Polish your jewelry or utensils with 10 to 20 drops on a soft cloth, a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver and other metals
  • To help remove stubborn, sticky residue off surfaces put a few drops on rag or directly on the residue and gently scrub away
  • Wash hands with Lemon oil to remove grease after changing your oil or fixing your bike

Lime oil

How to use Lime oil

  • Take three to four drops in a veggie capsule or in your water to support a healthy immune system*
  • Add a few drops to your water to use as an internal cleanser, and for enhanced flavor and antioxidant support *
  • Put five to six drops on a cotton pad to help remove grease spots
  • Add one drop to your facial cleanser or shampoo for added cleansing properties
  • Combine one to two drops with equal amounts Melaleuca for a soothing scalp massage
  • Add one drop to add a refreshing kick your homemade salsa
  • Diffuse while studying and then apply to wrists again while testing on the same subjects

Tangerine oil

How to use Tangerine oil

  • Contains powerful antioxidants which can support a healthy immune system when taken internally in water or a veggie capsule*
  • Cleansing and purifying properties
  • Add two to three drops as a flavoring in any dessert recipes from cake to ice-cream
  • Add one to two drops in water, smoothies, teas, or lemonade for extra citrus flavor
  • Apply to flex points or your abdomen for feelings of happiness (dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize sensitivity if needed)

Wild Orange oil

How to use Wild Orange oil

  • Wild Orange essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals when taken internally*
  • During colder temperatures, take one to two drops of Wild Orange in a capsule to support a healthy immune system*
  • During clean up, use Wild Orange in an all-purpose spray to cleanse and purify countertops, tables, and other surfaces
  • Before a stress filled day, diffuse for a revitalizing aroma to encourage you
  • Add a drop to your water every day for a burst of flavor and to promote overall health*
  • Eliminate odors by putting three to four drops down your bathroom sink or tub drains, letting the oil evaporate before turning on the water

Let us know how you're favorites and how you're using your citrus oils!