Limonene is present in citrus essential oils, where its content can reach up to 90%. (−)-Limonene naturally occurs in pine needle oil, turpentine, cajuput oil, and other essential oils. It is a liquid with an orange-like aroma and is obtained by fractionation from terpenes in orange oil.
Limonene has optical isomers, including L-limonene, R-limonene, and the racemic isomer dipentene.
In flavor formulations for personal care products, the content of limonene can be as high as 30%. Limonene is also mainly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of bergamyl esters, carvone, p-cymene, tonalide, and fantolide.