Orange Liquid Extract is a herbal liquid extract of sweet orange (Citrus Sinensis) made for use in soaps, shampoos, creams, serums and other DIY personal care products. It is added at a small rate, usually 1–2% of your formula, and comes in both a water-soluble (glycerin-based, alcohol-free) and an oil-soluble (soy oil) version so you can match it to whatever base you are working with.
What is Orange Liquid Extract?
This is a 4:1 extract, which means four kilograms of orange raw material are concentrated down to yield one kilogram of extract. The source material comes from sweet orange, mandarin orange and kumquat. Unlike orange essential oil, this product is described as tasteless with no odour, so it is used more as a functional botanical ingredient in cosmetics than as a fragrance.
Azlok offers it in two solubility types. The water-soluble version is extracted using vegetable palm glycerin (vegetable glycerol) and is alcohol free, which suits water-based products. The oil-soluble version uses soy oil as the carrier, which suits oil-based blends. Both use BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as a preservative note.
Common uses in DIY personal care
Because it blends easily into cosmetic bases, it is a flexible add-in for hobbyists and small-batch makers. Typical applications include:
- Soap making – cold process, melt-and-pour and liquid soap
- Shampoos and hair care rinses
- Lotions, creams and body butters
- Face wash, serums and gels
- General DIY skincare for face, hair, skin and body
Oranges themselves are low in calories and a good source of Vitamin C, calcium and fibre, which is one reason citrus botanicals are popular in cosmetic formulations. This extract is intended for external, topical use in such products, not for eating or drinking.
How to use it in your formulas
Keep things simple and consistent:
- Pick the right type. Use the water-soluble (glycerin) extract for water-based products like toners, face washes and gels. Use the oil-soluble (soy oil) extract for oil-based products like balms, body oils and anhydrous creams.
- Add at the recommended rate. The suggested usage is 1–2% of the total weight of your formulation. For a 100 g batch, that is roughly 1–2 g.
- Add at the cool-down stage where possible, once your base has cooled after heating, then stir well to disperse evenly.
- Test a small batch first before scaling up, so you can check how it behaves in your particular recipe.
Safety and honest notes
Please treat this as a cosmetic raw material and follow sensible handling:
- For external use only – do not ingest.
- Always patch-test a finished product on a small area of skin before wider use, especially on the face.
- Caution should be observed with external applications; use it within the prescribed 1–2% range rather than overdosing your formula.
- Keep it away from children and store the container closed.
- The product is stated to be free from gluten, artificial colour, heavy metals and fertilisers. No herb–drug interactions are known, but if you have sensitive skin or a medical condition, get professional advice before regular use.
For commercial or bulk formulating, request the COA and MSDS documents (available separately for the water-soluble and oil-soluble grades) so you have the technical paperwork on file.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok stocks Orange Liquid Extract from 100 Gm right up to 25 Kg (100 Gm, 500 Gm, 1 Kg, 5 Kg, 10 Kg, 20 Kg and 25 Kg), which makes it easy to start small and buy larger once a recipe is settled. Pricing starts at ₹299. The country of origin is India.
Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Kept well, it has a shelf life of about two years. Close the cap tightly after each use and label your decanted bottles with the type (water- or oil-soluble) and the date opened.
FAQ
Is Orange Liquid Extract the same as orange essential oil?
No. This is a herbal liquid extract carried in glycerin or soy oil and is described as tasteless with no odour. Orange essential oil is a concentrated aromatic oil. If you want the citrus scent, you would add a fragrance or essential oil separately.
How much should I add to my product?
The recommended usage is 1–2% of your total formula weight. For a 100 g batch, that is about 1–2 g. Start at the lower end and adjust.
Which version should I choose, water-soluble or oil-soluble?
Choose the water-soluble (glycerin, alcohol-free) extract for water-based products such as toners, face washes and gels. Choose the oil-soluble (soy oil) extract for oil-based products like balms and body oils.
Can I eat or drink this extract?
No. It is meant for external, topical cosmetic use only. Do not ingest it, and keep it out of reach of children.
How long does it last and how should I store it?
It has a shelf life of about two years when stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight, with the container kept tightly closed.