7 Benefits of Calamansi on the Skin

The tiny but mighty calamansi has long been a staple in skincare and beauty routines across the country. Rich in vitamin C, the benefits of calamansi on skin include brightening the complexion and lightening dark spots. It’s also prized for its anti-acne and anti-aging benefits.

Calamansi is a local citrus fruit that's a staple in Philippine kitchens and celebrated for its bright, tart flavor. Outside its use in marinades, kinilaw dishes, and your favorite sawsawan, this small citrus is valued for its skin care benefits.

From exfoliating and clarifying to collagen synthesis and UV protection, calamansi has proven to be a versatile skincare ally. It has come a long way from a folk underarm-whitening remedy to a powerful ingredient in modern-day beauty products. Below are a number of key benefits you should know about.

With a pH of 2.4 and 5.52 percent citric acid content, calamansi’s high acidity makes it a powerful exfoliant that can remove dead skin cells and fade blemishes. But there's a caveat. While citric acid is generally safe for most skin types, it can irritate sensitive skin when applied directly to it. A safer bet is to go for products that contain calamansi as an ingredient instead.

One of the top benefits of calamansi on skin is its ability to calm inflammation. Packed with antioxidant vitamin C, calamansi fights free radicals that can damage healthy cells and break down your skin’s collagen, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. Research has shown that the higher the vitamin C concentration, the more effective it is.

Calamansi also acts as a natural toner, balancing your skin’s natural oils and curbing excessive sebum production. As an ingredient in skincare products, it works to purify skin and stop acne formation by preventing oil from clogging pores. That said, it can trigger irritation, itching, or stinging, particularly on sensitive skin, so it’s always best to patch-test first, just to be safe.

The vitamin C in calamansi also helps encourage the growth of new, healthy cells, on top of protecting them from damage. By stimulating collagen synthesis, it prevents premature skin aging and maintains skin elasticity.

You can double your defense against harmful UV rays by pairing a calamansi-formulated serum with your trusted broad-spectrum sunscreen. Studies show that skincare products containing vitamin C, alongside vitamin E and ferulic acid, can guard against long-term sun damage.

You might have heard the tea from your favorite tita that calamansi can be used to lighten dark underarms and elbows. More than just an old wives’ tale, this practice is actually backed by science. Vitamin C – which occurs in high concentrations in calamansi – has been shown to lighten hyperpigmentation and reduce melanin production.

Rexona Vitamin + Bright Deodorant Spray Vit C + Anti-Stain, for example, infuses vitamin C in its formula to help smooth underarms, reduce dark marks, and nourish the skin.

Calamansi benefits on the skin aren’t just limited to your face but extend to your head as well. Research has also shown that calamansi is effective in treating dandruff and scalp itchiness thanks to its natural citric acid content.

Despite the many benefits of calamansi, it’s not without side effects. Because it is highly acidic, it can lead to irritation, redness, itching, or cause a burning sensation. It also makes the skin more susceptible to sunburn. This is especially true for sensitive skin types.

To minimize the risks, avoid applying pure calamansi on your skin. Dilute it and always do a patch test first. It's also not advisable to use calamansi on your skin every day. The safest way to reap the same benefits with zero to minimal side effects is to use products that contain calamansi in their formula instead. 

Celebrated for its brightening, clarifying, and rejuvenating properties, calamansi has earned its place in your skincare regimen. Just make sure to use it with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin, and to always wear sunscreen. Better yet, look for products that contain calamansi in balanced formulations. Used sensibly, you can reap the many benefits of calamansi on skin without the irritation and other side effects.