A naturally occurring compound found in bergamot oil and other citrus fruits that reacts with sunlight and can cause skin pigmentation changes.
From bergamot + Greek 'apto' (to fasten or fix), because this compound bonds to skin when exposed to UV light.
Bergaptene is why people who handle bergamot oil or apply bergamot products get unexpected tans—it's a phototoxic compound that fooled perfume makers for centuries! Modern sunscreen science had to account for this sneaky molecule.
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