Citrus Junos Peel Water: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Citrus Junos Peel Water?

Citrus Junos Peel Water is the gentle, water-based distillate collected from steaming the peel of Citrus junos, better known as yuzu. The process captures water-soluble compounds along with small amounts of natural aromatic oils, flavonoids and antioxidants such as vitamin C. Yuzu has been a prized fruit in East Asia for centuries, celebrated in food, bathing rituals and traditional beauty practices. As modern formulators looked for botanical ingredients that offer both a fresh scent and skin-friendly properties, the steam distillate of its peel found a place in cosmetics.

To produce Citrus Junos Peel Water, freshly harvested yuzu peels are placed in a steam still. Hot steam passes through the plant material, lifting volatile and water-soluble components. When the vapor condenses, it separates into essential oil and the lighter aqueous phase; the latter is collected and filtered as Citrus Junos Peel Water.

You will typically see this ingredient in hydrating toners, facial mists, sheet masks, light moisturizers, after-sun gels and brightening essences. Its subtle citrus aroma also helps enhance the sensory experience without relying on strong synthetic fragrances.

Citrus Junos Peel Water’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Formulators turn to Citrus Junos Peel Water mainly for one key role:

Skin conditioning: The distillate imparts a boost of lightweight hydration that can make skin feel softer and more supple. Its natural antioxidants provide mild support against everyday environmental stress, helping leave the complexion looking refreshed.

Who Can Use Citrus Junos Peel Water

This gentle distillate is generally suitable for all skin types. Dry or normal complexions appreciate its light hydration while oily and combination skin benefit from its water-light texture that does not add extra oil. Most sensitive skin users tolerate it well, but anyone with a known citrus allergy should be cautious since trace aromatic compounds are present.

Citrus Junos Peel Water is plant derived with no animal by-products, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. It is usually processed without animal testing, although final product claims depend on the brand’s overall policy.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are unlikely to encounter issues from topical use of this distillate because it contains only minute levels of essential oil and no known hormone-disrupting components. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm any skincare routine with their physician to be safe.

The ingredient does not contain significant amounts of photosensitising furocoumarins that are sometimes found in cold-pressed citrus oils, so it is not known to increase sun sensitivity. As with any skincare, daily sunscreen remains important for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Citrus Junos Peel Water differ from person to person. The points below cover potential but unlikely effects when the ingredient is used in well-formulated products.

  • Mild redness or tingling on very reactive skin
  • Itchiness or small rash in individuals allergic to citrus components
  • Stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Watery eyes or irritation if the mist or product gets too close to the eye area
  • Fragrance sensitivity for those intolerant to natural aromatic molecules

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5

Citrus Junos Peel Water is essentially a watery distillate with negligible oil content so it does not clog pores or leave a residue that can trap dead skin cells. This makes it a non-comedogenic choice.

Acne-prone users can generally apply products containing this ingredient without added risk of breakouts.

As always, the final product’s overall formula matters; heavy occlusive agents paired with the distillate could still pose issues even though the distillate itself is pore friendly.

Summary

Citrus Junos Peel Water is valued in skincare for providing lightweight hydration, a touch of antioxidants and a fresh natural scent that enhances the sensory feel of mists, toners, gels and creams. It accomplishes this by delivering water-soluble compounds from yuzu peel that help soften skin and offer mild protection against everyday environmental stress.

The ingredient is gaining traction in K-beauty and clean beauty circles but is still less common than classic floral waters like rose or lavender. Its gentle profile makes it easy for formulators to include across a wide range of products.

Overall safety is high with few reports of irritation or allergy. Nonetheless it is wise to patch test any new product to confirm personal tolerance before full-face use.

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