Beauty · Fragrance allergens

Is Limonene Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Limonene is warning label required in the EU but allowed in the US (fragrance allergens).

INCI name Limonene. CAS 5989-27-5.

Is Limonene banned in the EU?

EU status	Warning label required
US status	Allowed
Risk level	low
Where it shows up	cleansers, perfume, household-crossover cosmetics
CAS number	5989-27-5

Limonene (Limonene) is a citrus fragrance allergen.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

An EU-listed fragrance allergen; oxidized limonene is a sensitizer.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Limonene banned in the EU?

Limonene is warning_required under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Limonene in US cosmetics?

Yes — Limonene can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.

What products contain Limonene?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Limonene automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Limonene?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Limonene.

Is Limonene in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Limonene or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.