Finger lime

Botanical1–3%

Native 'caviar lime' extract with natural fruit acids, used for gentle exfoliation and smoother, brighter-looking skin.

What it is

Finger lime is a native citrus from the subtropical rainforests of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, known for its caviar-like pearls. Extracts carry natural fruit acids and are offered as a gentle alternative to stronger AHAs. They suit face and body products aiming for smoother, more radiant-looking skin.

Good for

Dull skinRough textureSensitive skin

How it works

Finger lime pulp contains citric and other fruit acids that loosen dead surface cells. One supplier (Clariant, Lime Pearl AF) attributes its extract's gentle exfoliation to stimulating synthesis of TRPV3, an ion channel in surface skin cells. Independent studies are limited, so regard it as a mild texture booster.

Ratings

Evidence

2/5

Supplier and lab data, but little independent clinical work.

Gentleness

4/5

Milder than conventional AHAs at typical levels.

Formulation difficulty

2/5

Glycerin–water extract to add at cool-down and preserve well.

Cost

3/5

Mid-priced speciality extract.

Popularity

3/5

Growing use in Australian and global launches, but still niche.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Layering with strong AHA or BHA productsCombination not yet tested

Formulations it suits

Serum Toner, essence and face mist Lotion Gel and foaming cleanser Cream or sleeping mask

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	The species is not on the EPBC exempt list, but extract from Plant Breeder's Rights or cultivated-only varieties is; other material needs an export permit from an approved source. Confirm AICIS status.
China	Not in China's IECIC, but a Hainan-grown finger lime powder was filed with NMPA as a new ingredient in 2023 (filing 20230034), with three years of safety monitoring before it can join the IECIC. Other grades may need their own filing, so confirm status with the supplier before products are sold in China.
European Union	Listed in CosIng as Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, with no EU restriction or labelling requirement of its own.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

1–3%0525%

pH window

pH 4–62 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-soluble

Sensitive to

Heat

Serums, toners and cleansers use 1–3% for gentle surface exfoliation; strengths differ between supplier extracts, so follow the data sheet.

INCI	Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Also known as	Caviar lime, Citrus australasica, Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Water phase, as a glycerin–water extract.

Stability

Add below 40 °C and preserve the finished formula well, as supplier grades are often preservative-free and the extract is sugar-rich.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient in Australia, so confirm AICIS Inventory status with the supplier. Clariant's Lime Pearl AF is COSMOS- and NATRUE-approved.

Claims to take care with

Cosmetic claims include 'gently exfoliates' and 'smoother, brighter-looking skin', but avoid claims of skin renewal or structural change, which are therapeutic. Present supplier data as supplier data.