Evidence supporting the use of: Limonene
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Limonene is a naturally occurring compound found in the peels of citrus fruits and is commonly used in skincare products, primarily as a fragrance and solvent. There is some scientific evidence suggesting limonene has beneficial properties for skin care, such as its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro and animal studies have indicated that limonene can help reduce oxidative stress and may provide mild anti-inflammatory benefits, which could theoretically support skin health and protect against skin aging. However, these effects have not been robustly demonstrated in large, high-quality human clinical trials specifically assessing general skin care outcomes.
Importantly, limonene can also be a skin sensitizer; it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, especially when oxidized. This risk is well-documented, and thus its use in skincare formulations is regulated in some regions. Overall, while there is modest scientific support for limonene's potential benefits in skin care due to its antioxidant properties, the evidence is not strong and is mainly based on preliminary research. Its primary use in skincare remains as a fragrance or solvent, not as an active treatment agent.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Limonene
Acid IndigestionAnxiety
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Depression
Digestion (poor)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores