Mandarin and tangerine oils

Learn about mandarin and tangerine oils.

On this page

• About mandarin and tangerine oils
• Safety of mandarin and tangerine oils
• What we're doing
• What you can do

About mandarin and tangerine oils

Mandarin and tangerine oils are found in plants. They may be used as:

• flavouring agents in foods
• fragrances or flavour enhancers in cosmetics, natural health products, non-prescription drugs and cleaning products, such as:
  • sunscreens
  • body lotions
  • massage products
  • all-purpose cleaners
  • dish and laundry care products

Safety of mandarin and tangerine oils

Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

We have completed the draft assessment of mandarin and tangerine oils. We are proposing that they may cause developmental or reproductive effects from the following exposures:

• use of body lotions that contain the oils
• taking dietary supplements that contain the oils

We are also proposing that:

• mandarin and tangerine oils do not pose a risk to the environment
• exposure to mandarin and tangerine oils does not pose a risk to your health from the following sources:
  • food
  • household all-purpose cleaners and laundry soaps

What we're doing

Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by mandarin and tangerine oils before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:

• tracking new information on exposures or hazards
• asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
• reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment

Currently, there are restrictions on mandarin and tangerine oils used:

• to enhance the flavour of natural health products
• in cosmetics:
  • the maximum concentration of tangerine leaf oil is 0.1%

If the proposed health effects are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:

• updating the listing for mandarin and tangerine oils on the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
• updating the current mandarin and tangerine oils listing in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

• read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
  • labels on cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients
  • mandarin and tangerine oils may be listed by their scientific names on labels:
    • Citrus nobilis (mandarin)
    • Citrus reticulata (tangerine)
• contact the manufacturer if you are unsure if your product contains mandarin or tangerine oil
• dispose of the product safely, following the manufacturer's directions
• provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period

If you are exposed to mandarin or tangerine oil at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:

• relevant laws
• safe handling and storage practices
• requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

For more information

• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Risk assessment of chemical substances
• Acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic monoterpenes group – information sheet