Grapefruit peel extract is a botanical ingredient rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and limonene-containing essential oil, used in skincare for antioxidant, brightening, and astringent properties. It is also incorporated as a natural fragrance component.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact irritation (redness, stinging) | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or sensitive skin due to acidic and essential oil content. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Linked to limonene and other fragrance constituents, especially oxidized forms. |
Phototoxicity/photosensitivity | Rare | Citrus peel extracts can contain furocoumarins; expressed oils carry more risk than purified extracts. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Rare | May follow phototoxic or irritant reactions, particularly in darker skin tones. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.