Limonene in Skin Care: Basics, Benefits and Side-effects

Searching for the role of limonene in skin care in your daily regimen? This article explains everything about this compound.

Introduction:

Limonene is a natural cyclic monoterpene compound with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆ and is found in citrus foods. Limonene was first recovered as a commercial product back in 1942 citrus season in the USA from the steam evaporator condensate in the production of citrus molasses. It has a lemon-like odor.

This compound exists as a colorless liquid hydrocarbon and can appear as three isomers: D-limonene, L-limonene, and DL-limonene. The most abundant form is D-limonene, which is present in almost 98% of all citrus oils from tangerine, lemon, lime, bergamot, sweet orange, bitter orange, grapefruit, and mandarins. Orange peel is used to extract D-limonene for commercial use.

Limonene is extensively used in the skincare products, fragrance, and flavor industries. It has both a pleasant citrus scent and taste. It is also found to have anti-inflammatory effects for humans and many other benefits including antioxidant properties, and antifungal. The core benefits of limonene in skin care are skin brightening, astringent properties, and cleansing properties. Below are more details of all the benefits it offers for your skin:

Benefits of limonene in skin care Regime:

1. Refreshing Fragrance:

The prime use of this compound in skin care products is for its aromatic properties because of its refreshing fragrance. It has a very delightful, fresh citrus scent which surprisingly becomes less in odor when in pure form. Its fragrance is used to enhance the sensory experience of skin care products and give them a more natural feel.

3. Anti-oxidant Properties:

It is found to be an active agent to neutralize free radicals by donating electrons to stabilize them. By doing this, it actively helps reduce oxidative damage to skin cells. And also helps preserve collagen and other structural components of the skin. By doing so, it also reduces signs of aging by countering oxidative stress resulting in reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on your skin.

4. Skin health:

It is well established that this compound has strong Astringent Properties for our skin when applied in tropical form. It also significantly brightens the skin by inhibiting melanin production and counters hyperpigmentation. It also shows positive results for constricting the skin pores and reducing excess oil production. The application result is a more radiant complexion with uneven skin tone.

5. Cleaning agent:

Limonene also cleans and degreases when used as a solvent (about 10%) in hand washes without water. It is also pleasant on the skin making it extremely useful in the production of household and industrial cleaners. It also plays its role in skin care products where it helps remove excess sebum, dirt, and impurities from pollution.

Possible Side Effects:

Limonene is considered to have low toxicity in its pure or solution form. It is recognized as a safe ingredient for skincare and has many advantages for your skin. But it still poses some side effects including skin irritation or sensitizing. In many regions, it is labeled as a potential irritant to the skin for some individuals where it can cause temporary skin reactions. In such conditions, your skin can become red, bumpy, or itchy.

Limonene has a shelf-life of almost 1 year and it changes into an oxidized form when exposed to air. In this form, (limonene-1-hydroperoxide and limonene-2-hydroperoxide) it is found to be specifically more irritant and bring more skin sensitization to certain skin types. You should avoid limonene and citrus essential oils if your skin is allergic and sensitive.

To reduce the risk of these side effects, limonene should always be properly diluted before use as a topical solution on the skin. This is why most of the products with this compound have it in diluted form. To avoid skin care products with limonene from oxidation, it is recommended to always keep in check temperature, light, and oxygen availability.

Wrapping Up:

Limonene is a monoterpene that is present in a wide variety of plants but is most commonly found in citrus fruits like lemons， pine trees, and mint family members.  Limonene in skin care is mostly utilized as a solvent and aromatic component. It also finds its extensive use in flavor and fragrance additives, perfumes, soaps, and, also in food and beverages industry.