GRAPEFRUIT (POMELO) EXTRACT - NexTrac™ GRAPEFRUIT P LC

Introduction to Grapefruit

Grapefruit (Citrus grandis) is a natural ingredient rich in bioactive compounds and widely used in cosmetics for its beneficial properties for the skin and hair. Various parts of the plant, including the peel, young leaves, seeds, and juice extracted from the pulp, can be used as ingredients, providing a diverse range of active compounds for personal care formulations.

Notably, citrus peels, often considered by-products of agricultural processing, are valuable sources of polyphenols. Characteristic flavonoids such as hesperidin, neohesperidin, and naringin are abundant in both the outer peel and inner pith. Among citrus fruits, grapefruit peel is recognized as a particularly rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Grapefruit contains several notable groups of active constituents, including flavonoids, organic acids, vitamin C, and other naturally occurring plant compounds. The peel is of particular interest in cosmetics because it contains flavonoids such as naringin, hesperidin, and diosmin. These compounds may provide antioxidant support, soothe the skin, improve uneven pigmentation, and help protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

In addition, the bioactive compounds in grapefruit peel extract may contribute to antibacterial and antifungal activity and gently support circulation near the skin’s surface. These properties make grapefruit extract an ingredient commonly used in products for oily, acne-prone, and dull-looking skin, as well as hair and scalp care products.

Key Benefits of Grapefruit Extract in Beauty Care

Anti-inflammatory and Skin-soothing Properties

Grapefruit peel extract contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These groups of compounds are considered important contributors to the ingredient’s potential anti-inflammatory activity [1].

Antioxidant Activity and Skin Protection

Grapefruit peel extract has been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. This activity may help protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors and UV exposure [2][4].

Antibacterial Activity and Support for Acne Prevention

Acne, clinically known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition characterized by comedones, papules, and pustules, primarily caused by the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes (PA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA).

Some studies suggest that grapefruit extract can inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with acne, including Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes [3]. Thanks to this property, grapefruit extract may be incorporated into products for oily, congestion-prone, and acne-prone skin to help cleanse the skin’s surface, maintain a balanced skin environment, and reduce the risk of concerns associated with acne-related bacteria.

Support for Skin Brightening and Improved Skin Tone

Grapefruit extract contains flavonoids and vitamin C [4], two types of active ingredients commonly used in cosmetics to support skin brightening and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. These compounds may help reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, leaving the skin looking brighter and more radiant.

Support for Hair and Scalp Care

The flavonoids and limonene in grapefruit extract may help gently stimulate circulation beneath the scalp, support hair follicle nourishment, and create favorable conditions for healthier hair growth. This is one reason grapefruit is commonly found in both traditional and modern hair care products.

Cosmetic Applications of Grapefruit Extract

Grapefruit extract can be incorporated into a wide range of skin care, hair care, and body care formulations. With its antioxidant, soothing, antibacterial-supporting, and scalp care properties, the ingredient is suitable for naturally derived product lines and formulations targeting oily, acne-prone, and dull-looking skin, as well as weak hair prone to breakage and shedding.

In facial care products, grapefruit extract can be used in serums, toners, moisturizing creams, gels, masks, and facial cleansers.

In hair care products, grapefruit extract is commonly incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, hair mists, hair serums, and scalp care products. It is suitable for formulations designed to cleanse the scalp, help reduce hair breakage and shedding, support stronger hair, and provide a refreshing sensation after use.

In body care products, grapefruit extract can be used in body washes, body lotions, cleansing gels, and cleansers for oily skin.

References

[1] Tocmo, R., Pena-Fronteras, J., Calumba, K. F., Mendoza, M., & Johnson, J. J. (2020). Valorization of pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) peel: A review of current utilization, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and mechanisms of action. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 19(4), 1969–2012.

[2] Ha, T. T., Mai, T. N. P., Tran, T. T., Nguyen, N. H. K., Le, T. D., & Nguyen, V. M. (2020). Antioxidant activity and inhibitory efficacy of Citrus grandis peel extract against carbohydrate digestive enzymes in vitro. Vietnam Journal of Science, Technology and Engineering, 62(2), 32–38.

[3] Latu, S., Jangga, Suleman, A. W., Putri, H. E., Herman, S., Mahmudah, R., Rusli, & Nurhikmah. (2022). Formulation and activity test of grapefruit peel extract anti-acne gel preparation (Citrus maxima Merr.) against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acne bacteria. Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research, 11(3).

[4] Abudayeh, Z. H., Al Khalifa, I. I., Mohammed, S. M., & Ahmad, A. A. (2019). Phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of pomelo peel extract. Pharmacognosy Research, 11(3), 244–247.