The properties of pink grapefruit extract for the skin.

Grapefruit and pomelo are often confused. In fact, these two fruits belong to the genus Citrus, which includes the majority of citrus fruits. The pomelo tree (Citrus maxima) produces enormous fruits, the pomelos. However, this is not the one we consume in Europe! Indeed, it is the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) that is present in our supermarkets, which we mistakenly call pomelo.The confusion around the name of these two fruits has been ongoing for a long time and a change in nomenclature is not considered.

The grapefruit, ancestor of the pomelo, is consumed in the West Indies and Tahiti. Originating from China, it is sometimes sold in France under the name of Chinese pomelo. The pomelo, commonly called grapefruit in France, is a fruit resulting from the natural crossbreeding between the grapefruit tree (Citrus maxima) and the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis). While the grapefruit comes from Southeast Asia, the pomelo is native to the Caribbean. It is now generally grown in Corsica. Thanks to its juicy and indulgent texture, it quickly conquered the United States and then Europe. Tart, bitter, and sweet, it is a symbol of freshness and vitality. In dermo-cosmetics, grapefruit extract (which is actually pomelo extract) is a powerful purifying and sanitizing ally for the skin.

Known by its INCI name "Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract", this aqueous extract is obtained through microwave extraction from whole fruits sourced from organic farming. No preservatives are added to the final product. The recommended percentage of this natural ingredient in a cosmetic formula is 3%.

The aqueous extract of pomelo is composed of the following molecules.

• Alpha-hydroxy acids, AHA (primarily citric, tartaric, and malic acids): these active ingredients are stimulators of cellular metabolism that provide regenerative, keratolytic, brightening, and hydrating benefits to the skin.

• Flavonoids (primarily hesperidin): these compounds provide antioxidant protection (UVA protection) and a brightening effect (anti-tyrosinase), thus anti-spot.

• Vitamins, sugars (primarily vitamins C and B, sucrose, and glucose): these active ingredients provide revitalizing and hydrating benefits.

The extract of pink grapefruit is thus suitable for reactive and sensitive skin, oily to combination skin, as well as for tired, mature, or lackluster skin.

The extract of pink grapefruit possesses numerous interesting properties for the skin.

• Refining skin texture and limiting blemishes.

  Renowned for its exfoliating power, this extract helps to regulate sebum production in oily skin and thus toinhibit the formation ofblemishes, caused by pore obstruction from dead cells, which leads to the emergence of blackheads and acne. As such, since the pores are unclogged and less dilated, pimples and blackheads become less frequent. Moreover, this active ingredient helps to reduce acne scars thanks to its exfoliating action that promotes cell renewal. As a result, these skin irregularities are diminished. Thus, grapefruit extract promotes skin texture uniformity and helps to achieve smooth skin.

• Combatting pigmented spots for a radiant complexion.

  Thanks to its peeling effect, this ingredient effectively removes dead, dull, and dehydrated cells from the surface of the epidermis. This exfoliating action thus allows healthy cells to emerge (cell renewal), which restores radiance and brightness to the face. It can also reduce hyperpigmentation. Indeed, exfoliation helps to get rid of skin cells rich in melanin on the skin's surface. This phenomenon can even trigger cell renewal at the basal layer of the skin, the deep layer of the epidermis, where melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells, are located. This therefore helps to diminish brown spots caused by aging or sun exposure (including pregnancy mask), thus lightening the complexion.

• Limiting skin photo-aging.

Our nighttime exfoliating cream AHA 6% + lavender extract (INCI name: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil) combines two AHAs for exfoliating action at different levels of the epidermis. It helps to tighten pores, reduces the presence of blackheads and restores skin radiance. Composed of 94% natural origin ingredients, it contains grapefruit extract discussed in this article.

This cream, highly concentrated in exfoliating acids, comes with certain contraindications. It is not recommended for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as those with sensitive skin. It is best to avoid sun exposure during the period of using this skincare product.