Our SeaBlast View of: Limonene
Introduction
Limonene is extracted from the oil found in oranges (although it can be readily synthesized) and it is commonly used as the citrus smell in cosmetics and household products. It is also used as a “natural” cleaning solvent as a substitute for mineral spirits such as white spirit.
Positives
It is a natural product in so far as it is naturally occurring in and is extracted from citrus fruit. It is thus a renewable resource which is good for the environment. It is a powerful solvent, with a strong, but pleasant smell. Note re Natural Products
Natural products are preferred by far. We at SeaBlast choose to use natural products, however just because a product is naturally occurring does not automatically make it safe. Many natural products are poisonous, and some cause serious allergies in humans. Keep an open mind and do not take the term “natural” as meaning the product is safe. Also if a product advertises the fact that it contains natural products it does not necessarily follow that all of the ingredients are natural.
Not so Positives
Limonene is a solvent. Its physical properties are similar to hydrocarbon solvents of the same molecular weight. For example the flash point of limonene is 46 degrees centigrade. It is fair to assume that its other properties, including long term health effects may be similar too. In fact limonene is officially classified as Harmful and Irritating to skin and the respiratory tract. However the most damming risk is the fact that limonene is classified as a sensitizer. This means that some people are very sensitive or even allergic to low levels of limonene.
The general perception is that solvents should be avoided in favour of water based products if possible. We at SeaBlast concur and do not use solvents in our products. As for limonene, we believe that it is totally unsuitable for use in cleaning products, particularly those used domestically and by hand. If used purely as a perfume then why even take the risk.
Because it is a solvent limonene is not soluble in water. When added as an ingredient to aqueous products other ingredients are required to carry the limonene into solution. This would include surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersants and co-solvents. These are typically made from petroleum distillates depleting natural resources, add little if anything to the product performance, and are an added expense. Their own toxicity and environmental impact must be evaluated. All this so the product can claim to contain limonene: a natural product!
SeaBlast contains no ingredients that do not contribute to its performance, this includes perfume.