Description

Citrus medica limonum flower, leaf, and stem extract, commonly known as lemon extract, is derived from various parts of the lemon plant (Citrus medica limonum). This extract encompasses the beneficial components from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the lemon tree and is used in a range of cosmetic and therapeutic applications for its health-promoting properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure: Lemon extract contains several key bioactive compounds, including:

Flavonoids: Such as hesperidin and eriocitrin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Citric Acid: Contributes to the acidity and astringent properties of the extract.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Provides antioxidant benefits and supports collagen synthesis.
Essential Oils: Including limonene and citral, which contribute to the characteristic lemon aroma and may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

These compounds feature structures like aromatic rings, hydroxyl groups, and carbonyl groups, which are essential for their therapeutic and aromatic properties.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: The color and consistency can vary depending on the plant part used and the extraction method, but it is typically a clear to light-colored liquid or paste.
Odor: Fresh, citrusy, and characteristic of lemon, reflecting the natural aroma of the different plant parts.
Density: Variable, depending on the concentration and extraction method.
Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents and oils; solubility in water may vary.

Production Process: The production of lemon extract generally involves the following steps:

Harvesting: The flowers, leaves, and stems of the lemon plant are collected.
Extraction: Various parts of the plant are treated with solvents to extract the bioactive compounds. Common methods include solvent extraction or steam distillation.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove impurities and obtain a pure product.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistent concentration of active compounds and uniform quality.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its antioxidant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of imperfections, and provide a refreshing sensation.
Aromatherapy: Employed for its citrusy aroma and relaxing, stimulating effects.
Perfumery: Added to fragrances for its fresh, lemony scent, enriching the olfactory profile.
Cleaning Products: Utilized in household cleaners and disinfectants for its natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of lemon extract requires agricultural resources. Sustainable practices are important to minimize environmental impact and ensure the responsible use of natural resources.
Safety: This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution and be aware of potential reactions.

INCI Functions:


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:

CAS: 92346-89-9 / 84929-31-7 EC number 296-174-2 / 284-515-8