Move over, oranges and lemons. There's a new citrus fruit in town, and it's called Yuja!
This little-known Korean beauty secret is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help keep your skin looking young and healthy. Ready to give it a try? Keep reading for tips on how to use yuja in your skincare routine.
What is yuja?
Native to Asia, yuja is a citrus fruit that resembles a cross between a lemon and an orange. The fruit is small and spherical, with a thin, yellow-orange skin, and it has been used in Korean and Chinese medicine for centuries.
Recently, yuja has gained popularity as an ingredient in skincare products. In this sense, this citrus fruit is full of oh-so-amazing vitamin C, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, brightening, and collagen-boosting properties that will make your complexion look glowy and healthy. In fact, it is often compared to lemons and oranges in terms of effectiveness!
Pros & Cons of using yuja skincare
Pros
- Contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV exposure
- It has exfoliation properties, so it can remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin
- It is packed with vitamin C, which can help to increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Helps to soothe irritated skin
- Its acidic content helps to treat acne, reduces sebum production, and evens out skin tone
Cons
- Like any other citrus fruits, yuja can be mildly irritating and cause allergies for those with sensitive skin, so it is better to do a patch test first.
- Sun exposure while using yuja can cause blemishes and burns.
- Thanks to its acidic content, yuja skincare products can be extremely drying
Ingredients Specifications
Clean
Yuja is a natural fruit, so it is considered to be a clean and safe ingredient to use on the skin. However, if it is your first time using this goodie, it is important to do a patch test before.
Vegan
Since yuja extract and oil are derived from a fruit, they are a vegan-friendly ingredient
Pregnancy safe
This citrusy, tangy, delicious fruit is one of the all-time favorite ingredients in K-beauty. And it turns out, it's also pregnancy-safe! So if you're pregnant and looking for a new skincare routine that includes yuja, rest assured that you can safely enjoy this delicious ingredient without worry.
Breastfeeding safe
Yuja is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, as with any new skincare ingredient, it's always best to do a patch test first to make sure you're not allergic. And if you do start using products with yuzu, be sure to watch for any signs of irritation or sensitivity.
Active ingredient
Since yuja is extremely beneficial for skin, you can find this ingredient as an active component in skin care products
Comedogenic
Like other citrus fruits, yuja is non-comedogenic, however, bear in mind that it can have drying effects so, even if you have acne-prone or oily skin, it is important to moisturize your skin after using yuja skincare products
EWG (Environment Working Group) Score
The EWG considers that there is limited information about the effects of yuja on the skin, that’s why the score depends on the type of product. Taking this into account, it is important to highlight that the EWG considers that this ingredient can be irritating and cause allergies in certain people.
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating
In the same way, since this is an ingredient that started being used in skincare products recently, the CIR hasn’t rated yuja yet.
PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient
If you are ready to include yuja on your skincare routine, keep reading to find out when to use it and the do’s and don’ts
When to use yuja skincare products?
Since it is packed with vitamin C and is acidic, yuja is recommended to be applied during the mornings before sunscreen. At night, you should apply it before moisturizing since it can dry your skin.
What skin type is yuja good for?
Yuja works wonders in acne-prone and oily skin, this is because its acidic content can help to reduce pimples and sebum production, exfoliate, and brighten the skin
What you can’t mix with yuja?
It is important to not mix yuja skincare products with drying ingredients like retinol and other citrus fruits because it can dry out the skin, cause dry patches, and irritate the complexion.
Top Picks
Bestsellers
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask
- Yuja Niacin 30 Days Miracle Brightening Starter Kit
- Bye Bye Blemish Vita Tox Bubble Cleanser
FAQ’s
Is yuja good to treat hyperpigmentation?
The vitamin C in yuja has lightening properties that can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and other blemishes
Can people with sensitive skin use yuja skincare products?
It depends! Yuja can irritate and cause allergic reactions, so it is important to do a patch test before including this ingredient in your routine.
What can I do to avoid the drying effects of yuja?
Use a moisturizer after or find yuja products that include moisturizing and skin-soothing ingredients like tea tree and cucumber.
Tips & Tricks to include yuja in your skincare routine
- To get the most benefit from yuja, use it in a serum or essence. This will help to infuse your skin with all of the nutrients that it contains.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen after using products with yuja. The citrus can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.
- If you have sensitive skin, be sure to test out products containing yuja before using them all over your face. This will help to ensure that your skin can handle the ingredients.
- Apply moisturizer after using yuja skincare products
