Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is a hydrosol obtained from the peel of the Citrus Sphaerocarpa fruit, commonly known as "kabosu" in Japan. This water-based extract retains many of the bioactive compounds found in the peel, such as vitamins, flavonoids, and trace amounts of essential oils, providing it with antioxidant, soothing, and moisturizing properties. It is used in skincare and haircare formulations to hydrate, refresh, and protect the skin and hair while offering a mild, refreshing citrus scent. Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is particularly valued for its gentle, non-irritating nature, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water contains water-soluble compounds such as flavonoids, small amounts of essential oils like limonene, and trace elements that are beneficial to the skin. While the concentration of active ingredients is lower compared to the essential oil, the peel water still provides antioxidant and soothing effects. The hydrosol also contains vitamins like vitamin C, contributing to its brightening and revitalizing properties.
Physical Properties
Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is a clear, water-like liquid with a subtle citrus fragrance. It is water-soluble and easily incorporated into aqueous-based formulations like toners, mists, and lotions. The hydrosol is light and non-greasy, making it suitable for leave-on skincare products. Its mild, refreshing scent provides a pleasant sensory experience without overwhelming the formula.
Production Process
The production of Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water involves the following steps:
Harvesting: The Citrus Sphaerocarpa fruits are harvested when ripe.
Peel Distillation: The peels are steam-distilled to extract the water-soluble compounds, producing the hydrosol that contains trace amounts of essential oils and beneficial plant compounds.
Filtration and Packaging: The resulting peel water is filtered to remove any solid particles and then packaged for use in various cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Applications
Skincare: Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is widely used in toners, mists, and lotions due to its hydrating and refreshing properties. It helps to soothe the skin, improve moisture retention, and offer a mild antioxidant boost. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and products aimed at hydration and rejuvenation.
Haircare: In haircare products, Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is used to hydrate the scalp and hair, providing a lightweight moisture boost without weighing down the hair. Its refreshing properties help cleanse and revitalize the scalp.
INCI Functions:
Skin conditioning agent - Humectant. Humectants are hygroscopic substances used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up the human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: corneum, the most superficial, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum and basale. Humectants have the ability to retain in the stratum corneum the water they attract from the air and have the function of moisturising the skin. It is better to use them before emollients that are oil-based.
- Medical: Consumed to aid digestion and improve overall health due to its high antioxidant capacity (1). The hexane extract of Citrus sphaerocarpa seems to suppress lipid accumulation (2).
Aromatherapy and Refreshing Mists: The subtle, refreshing citrus scent of Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water makes it ideal for use in refreshing facial mists, body sprays, or aromatherapy products, offering a gentle and natural fragrance.
Sensitive Skin Formulations: Due to its mild and soothing properties, Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is frequently included in formulations designed for sensitive skin, providing gentle hydration and antioxidant benefits without irritation.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Its water-based nature and low concentration of essential oils reduce the risk of photosensitivity compared to citrus essential oils, though sun protection is always recommended when using citrus-based products.
From an environmental perspective, Citrus Sphaerocarpa peel water is derived from a natural and renewable resource, making it a sustainable ingredient. The production process typically involves repurposing peels, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
