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Answer: Limonene is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: cleansers, perfume, household-crossover cosmetics.
TL;DR: Limonene is warning label required in the EU but allowed in the US (fragrance allergens).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Limonene. CAS 5989-27-5.
| 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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Limonenewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Limonene is warning_required under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Limonene can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Limonene automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Limonene.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Limonene or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.