Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract

This ingredient is an extract made from mandarin orange peels and mostly valued in skincare for two things:

1. It has antioxidant compounds (like flavonoids)
2. Lab studies show it can slow down the enzymes that break down collagen + elastin as skin ages

Testing on the peel extract back this up too; it has shown strong antioxidant activity plus meaningful collagenase + elastase inhibition.

There's also some promising early research that suggests it may help calm sensitive and reactive skin by blocking the receptor involved in stringing/burning sensations.

Safety wise, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel looked at this extract at a 3% use level and found no phototoxicity in testing. So it's considered non-photosensitizing at typical cosmetic concentrations.

However, it is derived from citrus so people with known citrus allergies may want to patch test first.