Synthetic preservatives hidden in grapefruit seed extract in cosmetics

Grapefruit seed extract is a popular natural ingredient

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. Citrus essential oils and extracts are especially popular in Japan. Grapefruit seed extract is one of them.

Grapefruit has a fresh and refreshing image, so why is it used in cosmetics?

Grapefruit seed extract with excellent antibacterial properties

Grapefruit seed extract, which is used in cosmetics, is a natural ingredient and is said to have strong antibacterial properties. For this reason, it is often added to cosmetics as a preservative .

However, grapefruit seed extract has actually been shown to have no antibacterial properties .

Grapefruit goes through seven stages of processing to become grapefruit seed extract. During this process, chemicals are added and various chemical reactions occur. As a result, it was discovered that the antibacterial effect of this extract is due to the synthetic preservatives added during the manufacturing process.

Preservatives Detected in Grapefruit Seed Extract

In a report investigating six types of grapefruit seed extract, five of the six showed high antibacterial effects against multiple bacteria.

However, all five of these extracts contained the synthetic preservative benzethonium chloride, and three contained the preservatives triclosan and methylparaben . Only one extract contained no synthetic preservatives, but this extract did not have any antibacterial properties.

In other words, it was concluded that the strong antibacterial and antiseptic effects of grapefruit seed extract are solely due to the synthetic preservatives it contains, and that grapefruit seed extract itself does not contain any natural antibacterial substances.

Synthetic preservatives detected in extracts

The following synthetic preservatives have been detected in grapefruit seed extract. Most of them are of concern due to their risk to skin and health.

Benzethonium chloride

It is known to be an allergen in humans. It is a cationic surfactant with strong bactericidal properties and is also highly irritating to the skin.

Benzalkonium Chloride

It is highly allergenic and irritating to the skin, and may cause allergic conjunctivitis if it gets into the eyes. It is a cationic surfactant with strong bactericidal properties.

Triclosan

It is suspected to have hormone disrupting properties and may cause skin, eye and lung irritation and organ toxicity.

Methylparaben

A synthetic preservative that is of concern for its hormone-disrupting effects.

Benzoic acid

One of the ingredients that was previously designated for labeling in Japan. Along with sodium benzoate, it is a preservative used in many organic cosmetics.

Cetrimonium bromide

Has strong antibacterial properties. Irritates the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, nose, and throat, and is one of the ingredients that was formerly designated for labeling in Japan. Mutagenicity and chromosomal abnormalities have been reported.

Is grapefruit seed extract safe because it is a natural ingredient?

As mentioned above, the antibacterial effect of grapefruit seed extract comes from synthetic preservatives. Nevertheless, it is widely sold and used as a "natural ingredient" because these preservatives are added during the manufacturing process of the extract and are not required to be listed on the full ingredient list.

This means that even cosmetics that are "100% natural" or "natural" may contain these synthetic preservatives.

Something that "looks good" is not always the best. With that in mind, it's important to choose cosmetics that are made with honesty and integrity.