What is Grapefruit Essential Oil?
Grapefruit’s scientific name is Citrus paradisi. It is a hybrid citrus fruit that was first cultivated in Barbados as a cross between the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and the pomello (Citrus maxima). The fruit got its common name because it appears on the tree in clusters that look similar to bunches of grapes. They can be bred to have different colors of pulp: red, pink, or white. We use red grapefruits to extract our essential oil.
Reverend Griffith Hughes first documented the grapefruit in 1750. It was referred to first as the “forbidden fruit” of Barbados, then as “smaller shaddock,” and finally by its current name starting in 1814. Stories differ as to how the grapefruit was first cultivated. Some claim it was an accidental cross breed and others say it was created intentionally. Either way, it is a relatively new fruit. It gained popularity in the United States in the late 1800s after the first grapefruit nursery was started in Florida by John A. MacDonald.
We extract our grapefruit oil using cold pressing, which is the most common extraction method for citrus oils. To do this, we puncture ruby red grapefruits then press them mechanically to remove juice and essential oils. The oil rises to the top of the mixture and we then separate it from the juice using centrifugation.
Complementary Scents
Citrus oils tend to pair well together, so you can pair grapefruit essential oil with lemon, orange, or bergamot for a vibrant and uplifting blend. Peppermint oil is another great choice to use with grapefruit as both have invigorating aromas. Cinnamon and grapefruit can also work together to create a romantic atmosphere. For a fun blend, try mixing 4 parts grapefruit with 2 parts ylang ylang and 1 part eucalyptus oil for a bubblegum scent.
Primary Benefits
Grapefruit essential oil can help promote bright and beautiful skin. One way to take advantage of this cosmetic benefit while enjoying the wonderful scent of this oil is to make a body scrub using it as an ingredient. To do this, you can mix a cup of sugar with ¾ cup of coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil, and about 10 drops of grapefruit oil. The sugar acts as an exfoliant while the grapefruit oil leaves your skin healthy and glowing.
Citrus oils, including grapefruit, naturally break down grease. This means that you can use grapefruit oil as an additive to shampoo or other hair care products if you have greasy hair. The cleansing properties of the oil are great for your hair and scalp and in addition to reducing greasiness, the oil helps boost volume and shine.
Diffusing grapefruit essential oil is a great way to balance your mood and put you in a positive mindset. The strong scent of citrus can also boost your energy and keep you motivated during your day. You can use grapefruit alone or mix it with complementary scents to create a blend that you enjoy.
How to Use Grapefruit Oil
To diffuse grapefruit oil, follow the instructions for your specific diffuser as operation can vary. It is generally recommended to use only a few drops of oil as too much can lead to an overwhelming scent. You should also limit the time that you spend diffusing to avoid overexposure.
When using any pure essential oil topically, you should make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. We recommend using three drops of oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil. However, you may choose to adjust this concentration if you have more sensitive skin. For facial application, you should use a more diluted blend, usually three drops of oil in four teaspoons of carrier oil.
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