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Moumoujus

CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA OIL.

Valuable CAS 8008-26-2 / 90063-52-8 / CLEANSING, FRAGRANCE, HAIR CONDITIONING, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING, TONIC

Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, derived from key lime, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-aging properties by inhibiting enzymatic degradation of collagen and elastin. It also functions as a skin conditioning agent, enhancing surface hydration and clarity. Due to specific phototoxic compounds, its use requires strict formulation controls and user precautions.

Summary

Antioxidant Antimicrobial Skin-Conditioning Masking Perfuming Anti-aging Brightening Cleansing Oil Balancing

Science

Mechanism of Action

This oil acts as a multifaceted ingredient within the skin matrix. It functions as an antioxidant, actively neutralizing free radicals that contribute to premature cellular aging. Its anti-aging efficacy stems from inhibiting key enzymes, elastase and collagenase, thereby protecting the structural integrity of collagen and elastin fibers. Additionally, it possesses antiseptic qualities, assisting in bacterial management and reducing inflammatory responses. As a skin conditioning agent, it promotes surface hydration, resulting in a softer, more supple skin texture. It aids in balancing sebum production, contributes to skin brightening and cleansing, and helps prevent pore congestion and the formation of blemishes such as pimples and blackheads.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In an in vitro study, fresh key lime essential oil demonstrated significant anti-collagenase activity with an IC50 of 63.97 ± 2.3 µg/mL, comparable to a standard anti-aging drug.
  2. 02 The same in vitro study showed fresh key lime essential oil exhibited significant anti-elastase activity with an IC50 of 145.02 ± 6.37 µg/mL, also comparable to a standard anti-aging drug.
  3. 03 Essential oil from lime leaves displayed concentration-dependent inhibition of DPPH radicals at an IC50 of 21.87 µg/mL, signifying antioxidant activity comparable to ascorbic acid within 5-50 µg/mL concentrations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient is prone to oxidation and increased aldehyde content when exposed to heat and light. High concentrations of limonene, a primary component, are particularly unstable under these conditions.

Conflicts

  • Exposure to sunlight (due to photosensitizing furocoumarins like 5-methoxypsoralen or 5-MOP)
  • Heat
  • Light

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.0015%%
Sensitization risk High

The CIR Expert Panel deems Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Oil safe for cosmetic use under strict conditions: finished leave-on products must contain no more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), and formulations must be non-sensitizing and non-irritating. The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recognizes it as an established contact allergen in humans. Its use can induce photosensitization, necessitating avoidance of sun exposure post-application. Cold-pressed lime essential oil is typically highly photosensitizing, whereas distilled versions may exhibit non-phototoxic properties.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Citrus Aurantifolia Oil offers valuable antioxidant and anti-aging benefits through enzyme inhibition, but its efficacy is contingent upon stringent formulation controls to mitigate high sensitization and photosensitization risks.

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