Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from Lemon, scientifically termed Citrus limon. This species is native to South Asia, primarily Northeast India and then China. According to the genomic study, lemon is a hybrid of citron and bitter orange.
For the first time, lemon entered Europe during the times of Ancient Romans but was not widely cultivated until the 15thcentury. Nowadays, it is used worldwide for its culinary, aromatherapy, cleaning, and skincare purposes.
In skincare, lemon derivatives include lemon juice, lemon oil, and lemon rind. Each of these derivatives has its own level of potency and phytochemicals.
Lemon rind is the outer peel of the fruit. It is a rich source of flavanones which play an important physiological role in protecting the skin’s surface level by diminishing skin flora. Moreover, its astringent property helps to regulate the number of impurities found in the sebum on the skin surface which helps to regulate the formation of future unwanted blemishes.
Lemon oil extract is used as a fragrance in different skincare products. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, glutathione, and alpha-tocopherol that helps the skin to fight against lipid peroxidation and prevent skin damage. Products that contain lemon oil in their formulations have the ability to inhibit free radicals resulting from the body and the environment. Free radicals penetrate the skin and trigger quicker aging, which results in loss of elasticity and formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Lemon oil extract protects structural molecules that are important for maintaining skin integrity and quality as well as preventing premature aging.
Other antioxidant skincare benefits include an increase in collagen production and reduction of skin discoloration.
Lemon also contains approximately 7-10% of citric acid that helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase skin flexibility.
Lemon extract should only be used at low concentrations because it can result in skin irritation. It is safe to use skincare products with lemon extract on regular basis following careful cautions.
