What it is
Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract is obtained from the fruit of the trifoliate orange, a citrus relative used in traditional East Asian herbal practice. The fruit is rich in flavonoids and other plant polyphenols, and in cosmetics the extract is used as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant-type botanical. It appears in skincare and sunscreen formulas, often in products with an herbal or ginseng-style positioning.
Safety & warnings
Citrus-derived botanical extracts can in some cases contain naturally occurring fragrant or potentially sensitizing constituents, so individuals with known citrus or fragrance sensitivities may wish to patch test. Tolerability depends on how the extract is prepared and the level used in the finished product.
Origin & sourcing
Natural extract prepared from the fruit of Poncirus trifoliata, a deciduous citrus shrub native to East Asia.
Questions everyone asks
What plant does this extract come from?
It comes from the fruit of Poncirus trifoliata, the trifoliate orange, a hardy citrus relative grown in East Asia.
Why is it added to sunscreens?
It is used as a skin-conditioning botanical, valued for its flavonoid and polyphenol content.