lime extract

[oliviade]

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for answering all our questions. I'm so thrilled to be able to speak with someone knowledgeable about my skin.
I'm very intrigued by Aqualant. I use a very mild retinol cream every night on my face and have had excellent results, so am interested to try retinol on my body as well, to help with skin texture, tone, clarity, freckles, and of course dryness. Aqualant seems perfect for me.
My question is, what is the reason for using Lime Extract in Aqualant? Is there a skincare benefit? Is it for fragrance purposes?
I've read in numerous places that lime extract and lime oil (not to mention other citruses like lemon and grapefruit and bergamot) can be irritating to the skin and can cause photosensitivity. I've also read in the literature on Retin-A that it is not advised to use any products containing Lime when using Retin-A.
This makes me wonder, does the same apply for retinol as Retin-A?
And why use lime when so many sources say it can be detrimental?
Any help would be much appreciated.
All the best,
Olivia

[kevin]

Olivia,
Excellent question and you have done your research! You are spot on with every thing you mentioned. The only reason why we use lime is to neutralize the smell of the olive oil. I am not a fan of artificial scents and it is very rare for anyone to have an allergy to citrus. The result is a very subtle smell that wakes you up in the morning...superficial, I know but it beats smelling like a greek salad.

The amount of lime extract is so scant it should not make you photosensitive in the least, but it is just enough to make your mornings feel better.

[kevin]

I would also add, that the retinol makes you far more sensitive to the sun than the citrus.

[oliviade]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply.
I plan to use Aqualant after my nightly shower so don't need it to wake me up, but your point is well taken about using something subtle to neutralize the olive oil smell.

Any idea why the Retin-A literature says to avoid lime specifically?

Best.
Olivia

[kevin]

Tretinoin (the active in Retin A) will make you extra sun sensitive, so they would like you to be more cautious with the other ingredients that might compound the effect. If you are using Green Cream or Retin A on your face...I would not put Aqualant on your face...use it on the rest of your body.