Citrus Grandis Seed Extract
Multiple peer-reviewed studies indicate that the apparent antimicrobial activity of commercial grapefruit seed extract is due to contamination/adulteration with synthetic preservatives (benzethonium chloride, triclosan, methylparaben, benzalkonium chloride) rather than from natural plant compounds. Laboratory-prepared GSE without contaminants showed no detectable antimicrobial activity.
What it is
Extract from grapefruit (Citrus paradisi/grandis) seeds, marketed as a natural antimicrobial and preservative.
Marketed as a natural preservative and antimicrobial; used in cosmetics and supplements.
Why it's flagged
- contamination with undeclared synthetic preservatives (benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, parabens)
- false marketing of antimicrobial properties
- potential allergic reactions to citrus
- quality control issues
What regulators actually say
"In antimicrobial active grapefruit seed extracts, the preservative benzethonium chloride was detected, and three extracts contained triclosan and methyl parabene... Grapefruit seed extracts prepared in the laboratory without contaminants were found to possess no detectable antimicrobial activity."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Cosmetic and supplement ingredient; FDA GRN 658 was withdrawn for grapefruit extract for food use (no active GRAS notice for GSE).
European Union — EFSA
Used in EU cosmetics; not approved as preservative under EU food regulations.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app