Grapefruit oil
Grapefruit oil suppliers and sourcing guide
Grapefruit oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, as a co-product of juice processing, with the US, Israel, South Africa and Mexico among suppliers. Like other citrus oils it is mostly limonene; its characteristic odor comes from minor components such as nootkatone. It is used in beverages, confectionery and fragrance, as whole oil or in folded and terpeneless grades.
- Also known as
- Citrus paradisi peel oil · Cold-pressed grapefruit oil · CAS 8016-20-4
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of grapefruit oil
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cold-pressed
Whole peel oil for beverages and confectionery, from white or pink fruit.
Folded
Concentrated oil with part of the terpenes removed.
Terpeneless
Oil with most terpenes removed for clear beverages.
Organic
Certified organic grapefruit oil in limited supply.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- GC profile
- Gas chromatography of limonene, myrcene, decanal, nootkatone and other markers against the specification.
- Physical constants
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at a stated temperature, compared with the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex monograph where one exists.
- Nootkatone and aldehydes
- Nootkatone and total aldehydes by GC or titration, which track grapefruit character and grade.
- Appearance and odor
- Color, clarity and odor against a retained standard; off-notes often show up before the GC profile shifts.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and arsenic, typically by ICP-MS, against the supplier's specification.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Citrus peel oils oxidize quickly once opened, so store them cool (often refrigerated), dark and in full containers, and nitrogen-flush partly used drums. Cold-pressed oils can drop a waxy sediment in the cold, which is normal and can be decanted or filtered. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, commonly shorter for cold-pressed than for folded or terpeneless oils, and aged stock should be retested for peroxide value and odor.
Lots and expiry dates
Nootkatone and aldehyde content vary by fruit type (white or pink), origin and season, and supply is tighter than for orange or lemon. Record origin, fruit type and GC markers per lot and confirm odor against a retained standard.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists grapefruit oil (CAS 8016-20-4) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Grapefruit oil suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking grapefruit oil suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell grapefruit oil? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of grapefruit oil can brands buy?
Common forms include cold-pressed, folded, terpeneless and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for grapefruit oil include?
Expect gC profile, physical constants, nootkatone and aldehydes, appearance and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should grapefruit oil be stored?
Citrus peel oils oxidize quickly once opened, so store them cool (often refrigerated), dark and in full containers, and nitrogen-flush partly used drums. Cold-pressed oils can drop a waxy sediment in the cold, which is normal and can be decanted or filtered. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, commonly shorter for cold-pressed than for folded or terpeneless oils, and aged stock should be retested for peroxide value and odor.
What is the regulatory status of grapefruit oil?
21 CFR 182.20 lists grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists grapefruit oil (CAS 8016-20-4) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
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