View or Download Certificate of Analysis
Luminous Limetta Petitgrain is the steam distilled young twigs of Peruvian Citrus limetta trees for a light and lively, woodsy-sweet aroma with a twiggy-tang of lime. This delectable distillation is a tonic for balancing skin. This tangy top note also inspires optimism and revives the senses.
Botanical Name: Citrus limetta
Botanical Family: Rutaceae
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Part of Plant Used: Young, new shoots
Country of Origin: Peru
Cultivation Method: Wild cultivation
Composition: 100% Citrus limetta
Consistency: Thin
Scent Description: Sweet and woody with fresh notes of leafy-lime green. A touch of bitter citrus peel makes a masculine edge to the citrus-tang.
Blends well with: All citrus, Lavender, Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Spikenard, Cilantro, Hyssop, Jasmine, Rose, Ylang, Matico, Blue Mahogany, Rosewood, Inula, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Cardamom, Spruces, Cinnamon, Clove and Geranium.
Components: A rich source of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Beta-pinene, limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.
Use: This happily harmonizing oil offers all around balance. Its astringent citrus molecules and potent botanical-biotic properties make it a well-rounded tonic for skin. It balances oil production and cleanses and clears blemishes. An abundant source of lively limonene and skin smoothing linalool tones, revives, and makes skin come alive. This lovely aromatic is a delight to spritzed onto linens to sweeten sleep and diffused to lighten moods and create an inviting ambience. Versatile in skin care serums and honey masks. Dilute to use. Diffuse to elevate spaces and put smiles on faces. Perfection in perfume and colognes. A bathing delight.
Contraindication: Differing from some citrus oils, all petitgrains are non-photosensitizing and can be applied skin that will be exposed to the sun, yet there is no need to do that, so always dilute before applying to skin.
During the Roman Empire, about 100 BC, citrus fruits travelled with traders from Persia to Europe, and by 1100 AD citrus trees had made themselves at home in the warm Mediterranean climate of southern Europe. In the 1500s, European traders established routes to the new Americas and introduced citrus to the tropics of Brazil and Peru where they thrive.
Limetta is a sweet-sour citrus tree that is the lovechild of heirloom citron and marmalade orange after a night of margaritas. Our Limetta Petitgrain hails from the Madre de Dios region of Peru where the tree growth is helping to restore the retreating rainforest.
A petitgrain is always a distillation of a citrus tree, and the very first petitgrain was made by steaming tiny, unripe oranges, hence the name “little grains.” Like wine, a petitgrain plant’s terroir affects its aroma and phyto-chemicals, and each region offers a subtly different aroma. Our fruity, twiggy scented oil is sourced from the Amazon where the young twigs of the Limetta tree are hand harvested and steam distilled to liberate our lively Limetta Petitgrain. (Our Limetta Essential Oil is the steam distillation of the peel of the Limetta fruit.)