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CITRUS HYSTRIX PEEL EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS 91771-50-5 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Commonly known as Kaffir Lime, this aromatic botanical extract is a powerhouse of bioactive compounds including sabinene and limonene. It offers a multifaceted approach to skin health by providing robust antioxidant protection, anti-microbial action against acne-causing bacteria, and enzymatic inhibition to preserve dermal integrity.

Antioxidant Anti-acne Skin Brightening Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Antifungal

Science

This extract operates through several biological pathways: it neutralizes oxidative stress via high-capacity radical scavenging and suppresses inflammatory markers like nitric oxide. On a structural level, it inhibits collagenase and hyaluronidase enzymes to prevent the breakdown of the skin's support matrix, while simultaneously acting as a tyrosinase inhibitor to regulate melanin production and brighten the complexion.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.0026–20%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Observed radical scavenging activity reaching 90.38% in standardized 70% ethanol peel extracts.
  2. 02 Achieved an IC50 for collagenase inhibition at 26.045 μg/mL, indicating high potency for anti-aging applications.
  3. 03 Demonstrated significant anti-acne and antioxidant synergy in 20% gel formulations during standardized testing.

Transparency

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.05%

While it shows bioactivity at very low concentrations (μg/mL range), many commercial products include it at 'label-only' levels below 0.1% to avoid the complexities of phototoxicity management while claiming its botanical benefits.


The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

The extract is naturally acidic; increasing concentrations can significantly lower the final formulation pH and decrease the viscosity of gel-based systems.

Synergies

  • Broad-spectrum sunscreens
  • Vitamin C
  • Niacinamide

Conflicts

  • High-level photosensitizers
  • pH-sensitive thickeners

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.0015%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Moderate

Safety is contingent on the concentration of 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), which must not exceed 15 ppm in leave-on products due to phototoxicity risks. Formulations must be tested to ensure they are non-sensitizing.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

A high-performance botanical that excels in anti-aging and acne prevention, provided it is formulated within strict safety limits for phototoxicity.


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