Citrus Medica Limonum

Citrus Medica Limonum Description

_Citrus medica limonum_ is a plant, more commonly known as lemon, that produces many aromatic and photosensitive extracts, juices and oils that find their way in to far too many skin care and makeup products.

Although rich in antioxidants, _Citrus medica limonum_ is a potent skin sensitizer. The oils contain furocoumarins, phototoxic compounds that can cause sensitivity to UV light and further skin sensitization.

Lemon juice is often touted as being a natural, at-home option for brightening and evening skin tone. The truth is lemon juice is highly acidic (has a very low pH of 2) and exceedingly irritating to skin. Applying an acidic ingredient to skin (which has an average pH of 4.7) can cause redness, itchiness, sensitivity, tightness, flaking and barrier disarray.

Lemon juice applied to skin can also cause photosensitivty on exposure to sunlight, which is due to a volatile fragrance chemical known as limonene, which is abundant in lemon juice.

Lemon, whether in juice or oil form, is a must to avoid in cosmetics. Lemon extract can be passable in very low amounts but is best avoided if you detect a distinctive lemon scent.

Usage amounts of _Citrus medica limonum_ vary based on the part of the lemon being used.