Bitter orange extract

Bitter orange extract (CAS 72968-50-4), also known commercially as Citrus aurantium extract, is derived from the peel, flower, and fruit of the sour orange tree.

It delivers a sharp, citrus-forward bitterness used across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing to impart characteristic flavor and fragrance profiles for various industrial applications.

In food and beverage production, it functions as a natural flavoring in liqueurs, confectionery, marmalades, and bitter-style soft drinks where a pronounced citrus note is required by the formulator.

Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into digestive preparations, herbal supplements, and coated tablets as a flavoring agent to mask unpleasant actives and improve the overall patient experience.

In fragrance compounding, the extract contributes to eau de cologne bases, citrus accords, and fine fragrance compositions, particularly where natural citrus character is a formulation requirement.

Personal care manufacturers use it in toning products, facial preparations, and hair care lines where botanical citrus actives are a label claim for high-end consumer cosmetic products.

Bitter orange extract is supplied as a liquid extract, dry powder, or concentrated paste depending on the intended application. Standard grades include food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications.

Some suppliers offer standardized material aligned to FCC or Ph.Eur. monograph requirements. Solvent-extracted and CO₂-extracted forms are available to meet clean-label requirements.