Citrus Junos Extract
INCI: CITRUS JUNOS EXTRACT
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
Also known as: Citrus Junos Extract
A citrus-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin and support even tone
Best For Skin Types
All
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Citrus Junos Extract?
Citrus junos extract comes from yuzu, a citrus fruit native to East Asia. The extract is typically derived from plant callus tissue and contains bioactive compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Its primary function in skincare is to act as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals that can damage skin cells.
The extract's key active compound appears to be 4-hydroxycinnamoyl-malate, a water-soluble phenolic substance that research suggests may have both antioxidant and skin-lightening properties.
Benefits for Your Skin
How It Works
Citrus junos extract works primarily through free-radical scavenging. Its phenolic compounds donate electrons to unstable free radicals, stabilising them and preventing them from damaging skin proteins and DNA. This antioxidant mechanism helps reduce oxidative stress, which is implicated in skin ageing and pigmentation disorders.
The extract also appears to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme central to melanin synthesis. By reducing tyrosinase activity, it may help suppress melanin production in melanocytes, potentially supporting a more even complexion. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests the extract may interfere with glycation, a process in which sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen, compromising their structure and elasticity.
Clinical Evidence & References
Research on citrus junos extract is promising but still emerging. Laboratory studies using isolated compounds from the extract (particularly 4-hydroxycinnamoyl-malate and nomilin) have demonstrated antioxidant activity in standard free-radical-scavenging assays (DPPH and ABTS). These same compounds have also shown tyrosinase-inhibitory activity and suppressed melanin production in melanoma cell cultures.
However, most research has been conducted in vitro or on isolated compounds rather than with the full extract in human skin. The concentration at which these benefits occur in finished products, and whether they translate to meaningful results in real-world use, requires further investigation. The ingredient remains relatively understudied compared to other established antioxidants, so expectations should be calibrated accordingly.
Published Research
How to Use
Citrus junos extract is typically found in serums, essences, and moisturisers where it works well alongside other antioxidants. There is no specific minimum or maximum concentration guidance established for consumer products. As with any antioxidant ingredient, it may offer better stability and efficacy when used consistently as part of a daily skincare routine. It pairs well with complementary actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or other polyphenol-rich extracts.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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