Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

Citrus limon fruit extract is an extract obtained from the rind or peel of lemons (Citrus limon).

The extract is often produced from the leftover rinds after juicing. It has a fresh, citrusy scent and is used in skincare products as a fragrance.

The lemon essential oil is mainly comprised of limonene (up to 70%). Other components of the essential oil are ß-pinene and terpinene, which add other specific notes to its citrus smell. Lemon rinds also contain flavonoids and various organic acids, which have antioxidant properties.

There is a group of bioactive compounds called limonoids which have been the focus of skincare research recently. Limonoids belong chemically to the class of terpenoids and are abundant in the rinds of all citrus fruits. They are very bitter in taste and have various biological activities, including their (likely) ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and inhibit skin tyrosinase, serving as a potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment ingredient.

The research is still ongoing, but we will be seeing great things about limonoids in the future.

People who are sensitive towards citrus fruits should be careful with this extract, as it may cause a sun-induced skin rash.