Lemon (Citrus limon) extract or juice is used in skincare for its citric acid and ascorbic acid content, which provide mild exfoliation, antioxidant activity, and skin-brightening effects. However, its high acidity and photosensitizing compounds make it a poorly controlled, irritating ingredient compared to refined alternatives.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation and stinging | Common | Due to low pH and high citric acid content, especially on sensitive or broken skin. |
| Dryness and disruption of skin barrier | Common | Acidic pH can compromise the acid mantle with repeated use. |
| Phytophotodermatitis | Uncommon | Furocoumarins (psoralens) react with UV light, causing burns and hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reaction to limonene and other citrus constituents. |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | Especially in darker skin tones following irritation or photoreaction. |
| Chemical burns | Rare | Reported with undiluted application or prolonged contact. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.