Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and naringin, used in skincare for antioxidant, astringent, and skin-brightening effects. It also imparts fragrance and may serve as a natural preservative booster in some formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely on sensitive or compromised skin due to acidic pH and citrus components. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Associated with limonene, linalool, and other fragrance constituents in citrus extracts. |
Phototoxicity/photosensitivity | Rare | Citrus oils can contain furocoumarins (e.g., bergapten); cosmetic-grade extracts are typically furocoumarin-reduced, lowering this risk. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Rare | Can follow sun exposure after phototoxic reaction, particularly in darker skin tones. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.