Orange peel Powder

• The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is a plant of the Rutaceae family. It typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching a height of approximately 3–10 meters. (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

• Orange peel extract is derived from the fresh outer peels (epicarps) of sweet orange. (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

• The fruit is spherical, appearing green at the immature stage and turning yellow to orange upon maturity. The edible pulp is orangish-yellow. (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

• The orange fruit is generally composed of two main parts: the peel and the fruit flesh. The outer covering, known as the peel, is further divided into two layers: the albedo and the flavedo. (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

• Orange peel contains a rich combination of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that contribute to its nutritional and functional value, particularly for skin health. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• The presence of these valuable compounds in orange peels can be considered an important natural resource rather than waste. (Brezo-Borjan et al., 2023.)

• Orange Peel is a notable source of vitamins, especially vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a powerful antioxidant involved in collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• Orange peel also contains vitamin A precursors (β-carotene), which support skin cell regeneration and immune function. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• Orange Peel has trace amounts of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate) that aid metabolism and cellular health. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes and supports skin integrity. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• Orange Peel contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese, which support collagen production, skin hydration, antioxidant protection, healthy circulation, and improved skin elasticity and tone. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• Enriched bioactive compounds, like essential oils, polyphenols, fibres, minerals, pectin, and sugars, orange peels exhibit strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects on the skin by neutralizing free radicals and supporting collagen synthesis. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• Essential oils rich in terpenes provide antimicrobial, soothing, and revitalizing properties, while citric acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) aids gentle exfoliation and skin renewal. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

• The Orange peel also contains dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestion and detoxification, indirectly contributing to clearer and healthier skin. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) 

INCI: Citrus Sinensis Peel Extract

Alternative Name: Orange Peel Extract

CAS No. 97766-30-8 / 8028-48-6

CosIng Information: 

What it does: Perfuming

Sweet orange peel powder exhibits antimicrobial activity and possesses strong antioxidant properties.

Description: 

Citrus sinensis peel extract is derived from the fresh outer peels (epicarps) of sweet orange (Valencia), Citrus sinensis (syn. Citrus aurantium dulcis), belonging to the family Rutaceae. 

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (vascular plants)

• Superdivision: Spermatophyta (seed plants)

• Division: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)

• Class: Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons)

• Subclass: Rosidae

• Order: Sapindales

• Family: Rutaceae

• Genus: Citrus

• Species: Citrus sinensis (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is a plant of the Rutaceae family. It typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching a height of approximately 3–10 meters. The plant bears short thorns distributed over most parts. Its leaf stalks measure about 0.5–3.5 cm in length, and the leaves vary in shape, including elliptical, elongated with bluntly pointed tips, and ovate forms. The fruit is spherical, appearing green at the immature stage and turning yellow to orange upon maturity. The edible pulp is orangish-yellow.

The orange fruit is generally composed of two main parts: the peel and the fruit flesh. The outer covering, known as the orange peel, is further divided into two layers: the albedo and the flavedo. The albedo forms the inner layer of the peel and consists of spongy tissue. In contrast, the flavedo is the outermost layer containing oil glands and chromoplasts responsible for color and aroma. The edible portion of the fruit is the flesh, also known as the endocarp. Inside the endocarp, there are juice-filled sacs that are enclosed by thin membranes, called carpels or locules. (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

Orange peel contains a rich combination of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that contribute to its nutritional and functional value, particularly for skin health.

Orange Peel is a notable source of vitamins, especially vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a powerful antioxidant involved in collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress. Orange peel also contains vitamin A precursors (β-carotene), which support skin cell regeneration and immune function, along with trace amounts of B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate) that aid metabolism and cellular health. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes and supports skin integrity.

The mineral composition of orange peel includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese, all of which play essential roles in collagen formation, skin hydration, antioxidant defense, blood circulation, and maintenance of skin elasticity and tone. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

Sweet orange peels are rich in natural bioactive compounds. They contain essential oils, polyphenols, fibres, minerals, pectin, and sugars. The essential oil content ranges from 0.4–0.5% and mainly consists of limonene, which makes up about 90–95% of the oil, along with smaller amounts of alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. Orange peels also contain high levels of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and help reduce inflammation. These compounds are mainly present as phenolic acids and flavonoids (hesperidin and naringin). (Brezo-Borjan et al., 2023.)

These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects on the skin by neutralizing free radicals and supporting collagen synthesis. Additionally, essential oils rich in terpenes provide antimicrobial, soothing, and revitalizing properties, while citric acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) aids gentle exfoliation and skin renewal. 

The Orange peel also contains dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestion and detoxification, indirectly contributing to clearer and healthier skin. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023)

In addition, orange peels contain sugars in both simple and complex forms. Simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and sucrose, while complex carbohydrates include cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Pectin is a valuable component widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent. Due to the presence of these valuable compounds, orange peels can be considered an important natural resource rather than waste. (Brezo-Borjan et al., 2023.) 

Table 1: Nutritional composition of orange peel

Table 2: Bioactive compounds of orange peel

Orange Peel Powder Pack:

Orange peel, enriched with the core components vitamin C, limonene, and citral, is excellent for reducing skin concerns such as acne, scars, signs of aging, dark spots, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. 

Shahi Ubtan Scrub:

Mild exfoliation with Walnut Shell, Apricot Seed Powder, and Orange Peel, along with other natural exfoliating ingredients, brightens and lifts away dead skin and purifies radiant, glowing skin. 

Shahi Ubtan Pack:

Infused with Moroccan and Kaolin clays with other natural extracts of Orange peel and flowers reduce pigmentation, prevents breakouts, and rejuvenates skin. 

Orange Peel Powder Benefits:

Orange peel powder is rich in natural antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and essential oils that support overall health and skin vitality. Its strong antioxidant activity helps neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from premature aging. 

The presence of flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin in orange peel contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects by calming irritation and reducing redness through the regulation of inflammatory pathways. Orange peel powder also exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, which makes it beneficial for skin care, oral care, and natural preservation. 

Additionally, the high fiber and pectin content of orange peels support digestion and detoxification, indirectly promoting clearer skin. By enhancing natural antioxidant defenses, improving skin texture, supporting bone health, and maintaining overall cellular balance, orange peel powder serves as a valuable natural ingredient for nutritional, cosmetic, and wellness applications. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) (Mojo, Sutrisno, and Marfuah, 2024)

Orange Peel Powder for Skin:

• Anti-aging Effects: 

Orange peel contains natural antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids that help protect the skin from oxidative damage, a major cause of aging. It supports collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Orange peel also helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss. Together, these effects help maintain healthy, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) 

• UV protection: 

Orange peel contains natural bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils, that help protect the skin from UV damage. Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by sun exposure, which are major causes of sunburn and premature skin aging. Orange peel is also rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin by strengthening the skin’s natural defense system and neutralizing free radicals produced by UV radiation. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) 

• Depigmentation & Skin Brightening:

Orange peel extracts are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which play a significant role in skin lightening. These bioactive compounds inhibit the activity of melanin-producing enzymes, thereby reducing excessive melanin synthesis that leads to hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Regular application of formulations containing orange peel extracts promotes a more even skin tone and diminishes the appearance of pigmented areas. Furthermore, vitamin C enhances skin cell turnover by facilitating the removal of dull and damaged skin cells, resulting in improved skin radiance and a healthier appearance. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) 

• Natural Exfoliation: 

Orange peel extracts gently exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, offering a natural and mild alternative to harsh exfoliating agents. Regular exfoliation with orange peel extracts helps improve skin texture and reduce the occurrence of acne. By eliminating the buildup of dead skin cells, these extracts also enhance the absorption and effectiveness of other skincare products, allowing serums, moisturizers, and treatments to work more efficiently in addressing various skin concerns. (Jaiswal and Gaur, 2023) 

Orange Peel Powder for Face: 

Orange peel offers multiple benefits for facial skin due to its rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, and natural acids. It helps protect the face from environmental damage, supports collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes a brighter, more even skin tone by reducing excess melanin. Orange peel also gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and improves skin texture, helping to prevent acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties soothe irritation and support clearer, healthier, and more radiant facial skin. (Rodrigues and Pintado, 2024) 

Orange Peel Powder Face Mask:

An Orange Peel Powder Face Mask can help Detan and brighten the skin and balance uneven pigmentation because citrus peels are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids (e.g., hesperidin), which in research have been associated with photoprotective effects and modulation of melanin pathways that support more even skin tone and radiance. (Rodrigues and Pintado, 2024) 

The natural fine texture of dried orange peel provides gentle exfoliation, helping unclog and clear pores by removing dead skin cells, while compounds such as limonene and other phytochemicals offer mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions that can help combat acne breakouts and reduce surface blemishes. (Grace, 2026) 

Studies also suggest that citrus-derived antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress that contributes to signs of ageing, supporting collagen maintenance and reducing wrinkle formation, thereby helping delay skin ageing and keep fine lines and sagging at bay. (Rodrigues and Pintado, 2024) 

You can make orange peel powder at home or purchase it from a reputed natural or herbal brand that ensures proper drying, fine grinding, and quality testing. 

For home preparation, thoroughly wash orange peels and shade-dry them in a well-ventilated area for 5–7 days, avoiding direct sunlight to preserve active compounds like vitamin C and flavonoids.

Once completely dry, grind into a fine, smooth powder—coarse particles may irritate the skin. 

To use, mix 1 teaspoon of orange peel powder with soothing ingredients like 2 teaspoons of honey, plain yogurt, or aloe vera gel, which help provide soothing hydration. Apply only in the evening, as citrus ingredients can increase sun sensitivity. Leave the mask on for 10–15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water, and follow with a gentle moisturizer. 

Frequency: Apply as a face mask once a week.

Precautions:

• Do a patch test before first use of the orange peel powder.

• Use 1 time a week only to avoid irritation.

• Avoid application on broken, inflamed, or sensitive skin.

• Use only at night; citrus may cause photosensitivity.

• Always mix with soothing ingredients like honey, yogurt or aloe vera.

• Stop using if redness, itching, or burning occurs. 

• Mojo, T., Sutrisno, S. and Marfuah, S., 2024. Chemical content and pharmacology of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel: A review. In E3S web of conferences (Vol. 481, p. 06002). EDP Sciences. https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2024/11/e3sconf_icschem2024_06002.pdf
• Incidecoder.com., 2026. Citrus sinensis peel extract, Ingredients explained. Available at: https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/citrus-sinensis-peel-extract
•  Brezo-Borjan, T., Švarc-Gajić, J., Morais, S., Delerue-Matos, C., Rodrigues, F., Lončarević, I. and Pajin, B., 2023. Chemical and biological characterisation of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts obtained by subcritical water. Processes, 11(6), p.1766. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/11/6/1766
• Vilas-Boas, A.A., Magalhães, D., Gómez-García, R., Campos, D.A., Correia, M. and Pintado, M., 2025. Upcycled orange peel ingredients: a scoping review on phytochemical composition, extraction techniques, and biorefinery strategies. Foods, 14(21), p.3766. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/21/3766
• Abd‐Alla, M.H., Gabra, F.A., Danial, A.W. and Abdel‐Wahab, A.M., 2019. Enhancement of biohydrogen production from sustainable orange peel wastes using Enterobacter species isolated from domestic wastewater. International Journal of Energy Research, 43(1), pp.391-404. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohamed-Abd-Alla-4/publication/329039803_Enhancement_of_biohydrogen_production_from_sustainable_orange_peel_wastes_using_Enterobacter_species_isolated_from_domestic_wastewater/links/5bf2c0f092851c6b27caa1f5/Enhancement-of-biohydrogen-production-from-sustainable-orange-peel-wastes-using-Enterobacter-species-isolated-from-domestic-wastewater.pdf
• Jaiswal, S. and Gaur, S.S., 2023. Orange peel and skin health: An exploratory study on potential benefits. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 9(S1), pp.S91-S99. https://foodchemistryjournal.com/jfcn/articles/v9s1/jfcn-s1-supriya-singh-gaur.pdf
• Praipipat, P., Ngamsurach, P. and Joraleeprasert, T., 2023. Synthesis, characterization, and lead removal efficiency of orange peel powder and orange peel powder doped iron (III) oxide-hydroxide. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.10772. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38035-7.pdf
• Shrinath, V., Gaur, S., Kaur, K., Thakur, P. and Mahajan, A., 2023. Antioxidant properties of orange peel and their implications for health: a comprehensive review. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 9(S1), pp.S546-S553. https://foodchemistryjournal.com/jfcn/articles/v9s1/jfcn-s1-vishwakarma-jayesh-shrinath.pdf
• Rodrigues, C.V. and Pintado, M., 2024. Hesperidin from orange peel as a promising skincare bioactive: an overview. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(3), p.1890. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/3/1890
• Grace, M., 2026. Why is everyone using Orange Peel masks for glowing skin and does it work, Alibaba.com Advertisement. Available at: https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/why-is-everyone-using-orange-peel-masks-for-glowing-skin-and-does-it-work.html?utm_source