Grapefruit seed extract in soap
- 07/10/2023
The natural substance with antibacterial and antiviral properties
At Alchimia Soap, we make artisan soap using select ingredients, such as officinal plants like calendula and echinacea and unique substances like grapefruit seed extract. Let’s find out more about this latter ingredient.
Grapefruit seed extract: origin and properties
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a liquid obtained by grinding the seeds, pulp, and membranes of dehydrated grapefruit. Since ancient times, this substance has been widely used by many populations, from Asia to South America. This extract derived from the seeds of grapefruit was mainly used to cleanse skin and hair, cleaning, and combating microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
Grapefruit seed extract has many properties, and it’s particularly effective as a natural antiviral and antimicrobial. This antibacterial effect is due to its vast array of active ingredients: vitamins C and E, citric acid, bioflavonoids, and minerals. As a result, grapefruit seed extract is the perfect natural remedy against infections, fungi, and mould. Moreover, it has an antibacterial effect against herpes and candida and antioxidant effects against free radicals. All these properties and the fact that it’s non-toxic are the reason why grapefruit seed extract is so widely used as a food supplement and an ingredient in body cleansers and household detergents.
Soap with grapefruit seed extract
Dr Jacob Harich discovered grapefruit seeds’ particular properties in the 1980s. He noticed how, unlike other organic substances, these seeds don’t rot. Nowadays, grapefruit seed extract is widely used in the medical and pharmacological fields, but also in cosmetics, especially in formulations for soap and perfumes.
Grapefruit seed extract’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties are exploited to give body care products a particular effect on the skin. In fact, this ingredient promotes a healthy microbial balance, detoxifies cells, and protects from oxidative stress. In addition, it gives the product a distinctive citrus fragrance. All these reasons explain why grapefruit seed extract is an essential ingredient for Alchimia Soap liquid soap and shower gel formulations that are kind to the skin and effective against germs and bacteria. But that’s not all. Unlike the actual fruit or its juice, the extract’s active ingredients don’t interfere with drug metabolism.
Discover our soaps and shower gels with grapefruit seed extract:
