Citrus Limon (lemon) juice is a natural extract rich in citric acid and vitamin C, used in skincare for its acidic pH-adjusting, mild exfoliating, and astringent properties. Its high acidity and photosensitizing compounds make it a controversial direct-application ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation and stinging | Common | Low pH and acidity can cause burning, redness, and barrier disruption, especially on sensitive or broken skin. |
Phytophotodermatitis | Uncommon | Furocoumarins (psoralens) can react with UV light, causing burns, blistering, and hyperpigmentation on exposed skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization to citrus components such as limonene and other terpenes. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Uncommon | More likely in darker skin tones following irritation or photoreaction. |
Severe chemical burns | Rare | Reported with prolonged or concentrated application of undiluted juice. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.