Limonene*
Ingredient Info
Limonene is a natural fragrance compound derived from citrus oils and other plants. It's used in skincare products primarily to provide a fresh, lemony scent and may also act as a preservative.
Benefits
- Provides natural citrus fragrance
- May help preserve products naturally
- Sourced from plant-based ingredients
Potential concerns
- Can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May penetrate skin and undergo metabolism in the liver; safety concerns noted for high-dose internal exposure in research
- Can oxidize over time, potentially forming irritating compounds
Science: Limonene is widely used in cosmetics as a fragrance component from essential oils. However, research indicates monoterpenes like limonene can penetrate skin and be metabolized by the liver, with some hepatotoxic potential noted at high exposures—though typical cosmetic use levels are considered safe for topical application.
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