But neroli offers more than just a floral, citrusy, almost spicy aroma: The oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial when applied topically. Plus, inhaling the scent may be helpful for easing stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. Intrigued yet? Here’s what to know. The study found that—thanks to neroli’s limonene and other compounds—the oil went to work against bacteria, yeast, and fungi, making it a potentially potent pimple-fighter and bump-battler. “This oil works to reduce the appearance of your acne overnight with its antifungal and antimicrobial properties,” says Daniel Lanzer, M.B., FACD, an Australian dermatologist. “With high antioxidants and cell regeneration properties,” Lanzer explains, “neroli oil can produce an amazing overall glow. Try diluting two to six drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, and lightly dab directly over the skin morning or night.” A recent study3 published in Nature that looked at human scalp samples suggests that balancing bacteria can help control dandruff, making neroli’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties potentially helpful for fighting a flaky, dry, or itchy head. To try it, add a few drops of neroli to your favorite detangler or other leave-in hair product. You’ll enjoy the lovely scent, and your strands will appreciate the extra attention. Another study on humans4 found that smelling a blend of neroli, lavender, ylang-ylang, and marjoram reduced blood pressure for a small group of individuals with hypertension. Those who inhaled neroli oil had reduced stress, lowered blood pressure, and increased sexual desire. The researchers reported that neroli may help improve endocrine system function. You can carry a bottle of neroli around for an on-the-go mood boost or add the oil to your diffuser to make your home smell heavenly. That being said, it does still require a few precautions when used topically. “I wouldn’t recommend applying it directly to the skin to avoid aggravation,” Lanzer says. (This guide to carrier oils walks you through how to safely use oils on the skin.) “Do a patch test on your skin to test if you have a citrus allergy before using,” he adds. As always, use caution when diffusing EOs around children, pets, or anyone with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma. Start by putting in equal amounts of each oil into a diffuser or dark amber bottle. Feel free to add more of a certain oil to increase its scent prominence in your blend. If you’re preparing your blend in a bottle, store it in a dry, dark place to help it maintain its potency.
