Does Bergamot Have Furanocoumarins? A Complete Guide

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

Bergamot oil has been used in Italian folk medicine for centuries to address issues like fever and skin health. The cold-pressed essential oil does, in fact, contain furanocoumarins, natural compounds that create potential safety concerns.

Quick Summary

Cold-pressed bergamot oil naturally contains furanocoumarins, such as bergapten, which can cause severe skin irritation and burning when exposed to sunlight. To mitigate this, bergapten-free (FCF) versions are produced through specialized processing. It is crucial to understand the difference between these oil types for safe topical use.

Key Points

Yes, standard bergamot contains furanocoumarins: Cold-pressed bergamot oil naturally includes phototoxic furanocoumarins like bergapten and bergamottin.
Furanocoumarins cause phototoxicity: These compounds react with UV light, leading to severe skin burns, blisters, and discoloration if applied topically before sun exposure.
FCF oil is a safe alternative: Bergapten-free (FCF) bergamot oil has had the problematic furanocoumarins removed, making it safe for daytime skin applications.
Check your oil's processing: Always verify if your oil is cold-pressed or FCF before use, especially for topical applications on skin that will be exposed to the sun.
Ingestion risks: Furanocoumarins in bergamot can interact with certain medications by inhibiting liver enzymes, similar to the "grapefruit juice effect".
Aromatherapy is generally safe: Inhaling bergamot oil through a diffuser poses no phototoxic risk and offers calming and uplifting benefits.

Understanding Furanocoumarins in Bergamot Oil

Yes, the cold-pressed essential oil extracted from the peel of the bergamot fruit (Citrus bergamia) naturally contains furanocoumarins. The most prominent and concerning of these is bergapten (also known as 5-methoxypsoralen), a compound well-known for its photosensitizing effects. This natural characteristic of standard bergamot oil means it can cause significant skin reactions, such as blistering, burns, and discoloration, if the applied skin is exposed to UV light.

Furanocoumarins are a class of organic compounds found in various plants, especially citrus species and members of the Apiaceae and Rutaceae families. In bergamot, they are concentrated in the oil sacs of the fruit's peel, which is the source material for the cold-pressed essential oil. This is why raw, cold-pressed bergamot oil is heavily regulated for use in leave-on cosmetic products.

How are Furanocoumarins Removed from Bergamot Oil?

To create a version of the oil safe for topical application, particularly in cosmetics, perfumery, and aromatherapy products that might be used during the day, manufacturers perform a process called 'defurocoumarinization.' This results in what is often marketed as bergapten-free or FCF (Furanocoumarin-Free) bergamot oil.

There are several methods for removing or neutralizing these compounds:

Alkaline treatment: A chemical or 'cold' process uses an alkaline aqueous solution to hydrolyze the lactonic ring of bergapten and citropten, though not all furanocoumarins are eliminated by this method.
Vacuum distillation: A physical 'hot' process known as rectification uses vacuum distillation to remove the furanocoumarins. This results in a very high-quality FCF oil with significantly lower bergapten and bergamottin content.
Other advanced methods: Alternative techniques like extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) also effectively separate the phototoxic compounds from the oil.

Potential Side Effects of Bergamot Furanocoumarins

The most serious risk associated with regular cold-pressed bergamot oil is its phototoxicity, but furanocoumarins can also pose other health concerns. The severity of a phototoxic reaction depends on the concentration of the oil, the duration and intensity of UV exposure, and individual skin sensitivity.

Drug Interactions: Certain furanocoumarins, particularly bergamottin, can inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (specifically CYP3A4) in the intestines and liver. This can interfere with the metabolism of various medications, leading to elevated drug concentrations in the bloodstream and potentially dangerous side effects. While the effect is most famously associated with grapefruit juice, bergamottin in bergamot oil can also cause this interaction.
Skin Irritation: In addition to photosensitive burns, applying undiluted or inadequately diluted bergamot oil to the skin can cause general irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, even without sun exposure.
Neurological Effects: Extremely high oral doses of bergamot oil (which should never be ingested) have been linked to serious side effects in children, including convulsions.

How to Safely Use Bergamot Oil

Safe usage depends entirely on whether the oil is cold-pressed (containing furanocoumarins) or FCF (bergapten-free). Understanding the processing of your specific oil is critical.

Topical Use: If using cold-pressed bergamot, it is recommended to dilute it to a very low concentration (typically 0.4% or less) and apply it only to areas that will not be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 12–72 hours. A safer alternative is to use an FCF oil, which eliminates the phototoxic risk.
Aromatherapy: Inhaling bergamot oil from a diffuser is considered one of the safest methods of use, as it avoids direct skin contact with the phototoxic compounds. It is well-regarded for its uplifting and calming effects in aromatherapy.
Oral Consumption: Bergamot extract is often used in nutraceuticals and flavorings, but essential oils should generally not be ingested. It is also important to consider potential drug interactions, especially if consuming significant amounts of bergamot-flavored products.

Bergamot Oil Comparison: Cold-Pressed vs. FCF (Bergapten-Free)


Feature	Cold-Pressed Bergamot Oil	FCF (Bergapten-Free) Bergamot Oil
Extraction Method	Mechanical expression of the fruit rind	Further processed via vacuum distillation or other methods
Furanocoumarin Content	Contains furanocoumarins, including bergapten and bergamottin	Furanocoumarins are significantly reduced or removed
Photosensitivity	Highly phototoxic; risk of skin burns and blisters with sun exposure	Non-phototoxic, making it safe for daytime topical application
Aroma Profile	Full, classic bergamot scent; may have a richer aroma	Slightly different, less complex scent profile due to removed compounds
Best for Topical Use?	Not recommended for leave-on products on exposed skin	Yes, ideal for skin and hair care, and safe for daytime use
Best for Inhalation?	Yes, both are suitable and safe for diffusion	Yes, excellent for mood-lifting and relaxation in aromatherapy

Conclusion

Bergamot does indeed contain furanocoumarins, which are responsible for the phototoxic properties of the standard, cold-pressed essential oil. The compound bergapten, in particular, poses a risk of severe skin reactions when exposed to UV light. However, the development of bergapten-free (FCF) bergamot oil provides a safe and effective alternative for topical applications and cosmetic products. By being aware of which type of bergamot oil is being used and following safety guidelines, consumers can enjoy its therapeutic and aromatic benefits without unwanted side effects. It is always wise to choose FCF versions for any topical use that might involve sun exposure and to consult a healthcare provider regarding potential drug interactions when consuming bergamot-flavored products.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary and most notable furanocoumarin in cold-pressed bergamot oil is bergapten, also known as 5-methoxypsoralen, which is responsible for its phototoxic effects.

Yes, but with strict precautions. It must be heavily diluted (typically below 0.4%) and only applied to skin that will not be exposed to sunlight for at least 12-72 hours to prevent severe phototoxic reactions.

FCF stands for 'Furanocoumarin-Free,' indicating that the phototoxic compounds have been removed from the oil, making it safe for topical use, even during the day.

Manufacturers use processing methods such as vacuum distillation or alkaline treatment to separate or neutralize the furanocoumarins present in the original cold-pressed oil.

The bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey tea is typically a distilled version or a bergapten-free type, and the amount used is small, so it generally does not pose the same phototoxic risks as cold-pressed oil.

Yes, the furanocoumarins in bergamot can potentially interact with medications by inhibiting certain enzymes in the liver. This can alter how drugs are metabolized and should be discussed with a doctor.

Both cold-pressed and FCF bergamot oils are safe for inhalation via a diffuser, as this method avoids topical application and the risk of phototoxicity.