Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract

Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract Description

_Microcitrus australasica_ fruit extract, also known as _Citrus australasica_ fruit extract, comes from a plant native to Australia that’s more commonly known as the finger lime or caviar lime.

Research finds it has antioxidant and even skin brightening benefits. Some studies indicate that the acids contained within (a mild form of alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA) exfoliate skin – though we recommend a more well-researched AHA for exfoliation, such as mandelic, lactic, or glycolic acid.

The other issue at hand is that volatile fragrance components within finger limes that give them their flavor and smell can trigger skin irritation. There are many other ingredients that have the same benefit as this extract without the potential risks.

_Microcitrus australasica_ fruit extract is not an ingredient commonly used in cosmetics, though the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board has ruled that its use should be safe as long as it contains less than 15 ppm of a chemical known as 5-methoxypsoralen. Also known as bergapten, this fragrance compound can react on skin exposed to UV light, leading to DNA damage and an uptick in melanin synthesis that shows up as dark spots.