Citrus fruit-derived ingredients in cosmetics: properties, action and application

Lemons, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, pomelos, limes and their brothers and sisters create a diversity of vitamins and minerals; at the same time they smell beautiful. What properties do citrus cosmetics have and what is their action and application?

Citrus fruit-derived ingredients in cosmetics – properties

Cosmetics created on the basis of citrus fruits owe their properties to the richness of vitamins, minerals and compounds. Mostly, these are:

• vitamin C, A and B-group vitamins,
• calcium, potassium and copper,
• fruit acids, phytohormones and tannins.

Citrus fruit-derived ingredients in cosmetics – action

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals, smooths wrinkles and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, so the complexion becomes firm and more radiant. Vitamin A, called the vitamin of youth, has a very beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails. B-group vitamins serve skin and hair well:

• vitamin B2 regenerates tissues,
• vitamin B3 supports work of vitamin C in collagen production,
• vitamin B5 stimulates hair growth, deals with inflammation as well as makes skin more elastic and firm,
• vitamin B6 moisturizes skin,
• vitamin B7 facilitates absorption of vitamin C, promotes hair growth and keeps nails in a good condition.Fruit acids help fighting against wrinkles, discoloration and other skin imperfections. Phytohormones inhibit the aging process. Tannins soothe irritations, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Last but not least, they normalize work of sebaceous glands.

Citrus fruit-derived ingredients in cosmetics – application

Citrus fruits are used for the production of face cosmetics, for example, anti-wrinkle and regenerating creams, cleaning gels, masks and enzyme peels. Among the body cosmetics created with citrus fruits as the base ingredients, there are gels, scrubs and anti-cellulite balsams. Anti-cellulite properties have both orange butter and grapefruit, which are the main components of such balms. Citruses have also been used in the production of hand and nail care creams; lemon juice soothes and brightens hand skin. In addition, refreshing citrus fruits can be used as the base of deodorants and antiperspirants, perfumes, lotions and bath salts.