Citrus medica limonum fruit extract, commonly known as lemon fruit extract, is derived from the lemon fruit (Citrus medica limonum). This citrus fruit is renowned for its bright yellow skin and tangy flavor. The extract is prized for its diverse potential benefits in both cosmetic and therapeutic applications due to the rich concentration of bioactive compounds found in the fruit.

Chemical Composition and Structure: The lemon fruit extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:

Flavonoids: Such as hesperidin and eriocitrin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Citral: A major component providing the lemon aroma and contributing to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Limonene: Offers a citrusy scent and potential antioxidant benefits.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Provides strong antioxidant protection and supports collagen synthesis, which is beneficial for skin health.
Organic Acids: Including citric acid, which contributes to astringent properties and improves skin texture.

These compounds typically have chemical structures that include aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups, which are crucial for their biological activities and therapeutic effects.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a yellow to amber liquid or powder, depending on the extraction method used.
Odor: Fresh, citrusy, and lemon-like, reflecting the natural aroma of the lemon fruit.
Density: Variable, depending on concentration and extraction solvent.
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; solubility may vary based on the specific formulation and extraction method.

Production Process: Lemon fruit extraction can be achieved through several methods:

Solvent Extraction: The fruit is treated with organic solvents to extract bioactive compounds. The solvent is then evaporated, resulting in a concentrated extract.
Cold Pressing: The fruit peel is mechanically pressed to release essential oils and other beneficial compounds, which are then processed into an extract.
Steam Distillation: Steam is used to vaporize essential oils from the fruit peel, which are then condensed and collected.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its antioxidant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to brighten the skin, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of age spots.
Dietary Supplements: Included for its potential health benefits, particularly its antioxidant properties and support for overall wellness.
Perfumery: Added to fragrances for its fresh, lemony aroma, providing a bright and invigorating scent.
Pharmaceuticals: Investigated for its therapeutic potential, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

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

INCI Functions:

Skin Conditioning Agent: Enhances the skin’s appearance and provides conditioning benefits.
Antioxidant: Helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.


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.
Synonyms:

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