Lemon water is diluted lemon juice, a source of citric acid and vitamin C sometimes used topically for its acidic, exfoliating, and purported brightening effects. Its low pH and photosensitizing compounds make it a controversial and potentially irritating DIY skincare ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation and stinging | Common | The low pH and citric acid can disrupt the skin barrier, especially on sensitive or broken skin. |
Dryness and redness | Common | Acidic exposure may strip natural oils and cause transient erythema. |
Phytophotodermatitis | Uncommon | Furocoumarins (psoralens) in lemon can react with UV light, causing burns, blistering, and dark pigmentation. |
Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Allergic or irritant reaction to citrus compounds. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | Irritation followed by sun exposure can worsen dark spots, particularly in deeper skin tones. |
Chemical burn | Rare | Reported with prolonged or concentrated application on compromised skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.