Relatively new to the citrus family, Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a hybrid of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) and Sweet Orange (Citrus x sinensis)[2] – a modern creation of only the last few hundred years. Cold pressed citrus peel essential oils are not byproducts of the juice industry, although the fruits used in the extraction of this product are used for both essential oil and juice. Processing these fruits with different machinery yields cold pressed essential oils from the peels and juice from the pulp – the juice, being a secondary product of oil extraction. The essential oil has a higher value than the juice, and even though the yield is lower (approximately 0.4 – 7% vs. 30 – 35%) both oils and juices are major market products.[3]

Grapefruit oils, like all citrus peel oils, have a predominance of limonene, the bright, lemony monoterpene that provides an absolutely delightful aroma when diffused to refresh and disinfect room environments. The cheerful and calming aroma awakens the senses and makes for a familiar favorite in massage blends, skin toners, outdoor sprays, oily skin and scalp preparations, and cleansers.