Is it safe to put lemon juice on your face? Or body?

The internet is chock-a-block with beauty writers advising you to put lemon juice on your face.

Why? The fruit’s high levels of vitamin C, citric acids, and antioxidants are deemed to be perfect for busting dead skin cells, lightening age spots, getting rid of unwanted freckles, and clearing up a tan.

The evidence? Most beauty mavens will ask you to observe how a dash of lemon juice on apple slices prevents them from turning brown. The brown color of cut apples is from oxidation, and the vitamin C in lemon juice halts the process.

There’s only one problem: We are humans and not fruit.

Our skin is much more fragile and doesn’t react to lemon juice in exactly the same way as apple slices.

So, while I am usually first in line to advocate the use of natural ingredients and DIY skincare recipes (heck, I almost wrote a whole blog post on how to use lemons for your skin myself before studying the adverse reactions), this is one case where the cons clearly outweigh the pros.

How, you ask?

1. Lemons are highly acidic

Lemon juice is highly acidic—so much that it can throw your skin’s natural barrier completely off balance.

Think of your skin barrier as a protective shield, keeping moisture locked in while blocking out harmful irritants. It naturally maintains a pH of around 4 to 5, which helps create an environment that fends off bad bacteria while preserving the good ones—key for preventing acne and infections.

Now, enter lemon juice, with a pH of around 2. Applying it to your skin is like taking a wrecking ball to that shield, leaving your skin vulnerable. The result? Redness, irritation, peeling, and, in some cases, even painful blisters.

And once that barrier is weakened, your skin becomes an open invitation for bacteria and fungi to move in, increasing the risk of infections.

Bottom line? Sacrificing your skin’s first line of defense for a DIY “quick fix” isn’t just ineffective—it’s a recipe for irritation and regret.

2. Acne-prone skin? No, thank you!

On top of that, acne-prone skin can rebel big time when exposed to harsh acids. Lemon juice can aggravate existing breakouts, leading to even more redness and inflammation. 

As for fading acne scars—most of the time, prolonged irritation only leads to more hyperpigmentation, not less. The acidic pH may also disrupt your skin’s microbiome, potentially throwing off its natural healing process.

3. Lemons can cause chemical burns (yes, ouch!)

Ever made a batch of fresh lemonade or cocktails on a sunny day, only to later spot dark streaks or red, irritated patches on your hands or arms? That’s what’s playfully known as “Margarita Dermatitis,” though the technical term is phytophotodermatitis. 

According to scientific research, it happens when compounds in citrus fruits interact with sunlight. These compounds can make your skin extra vulnerable to UV radiation and, in severe cases, a chemical burn.

The immediate aftermath can be downright alarming: painful blisters, stinging, and sometimes even a burning sensation. As the irritation fades, it can leave behind dark splotches or streaks that may take weeks or even months to disappear fully. 

4. They don’t actually work as a skincare cure-all

Despite what countless internet “hacks” might claim, lemon juice isn’t a magic wand for acne, dark spots, or wrinkle-busting. 

Yes, lemons contain vitamin C—but in a form that isn’t stable or gentle enough to truly benefit your skin when applied directly. 

And while you might see a temporary glow (more like redness) after slathering on straight lemon juice, that’s typically a sign of irritation, not healthy skin transformation.

Lemon alternatives that won’t cause a sour face

If you’re chasing that luminous, even-toned complexion, there are tried-and-true products and ingredients far gentler (and more effective) than lemon juice. Here are some of the top contenders:

Vitamin C serums

Unlike straight-up lemon juice, a well-formulated vitamin C serum is pH-balanced and stabilized, so it can actuallypenetrate your skin without causing irritation. 

These serums can help fade dark spots, brighten overall skin tone, and give a healthy glow—minus the risk of chemical burns.

Niacinamide products

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a true multitasker. It’s known to reduce redness, help regulate oil production, and improve skin texture. 

Even better, it’s gentle enough for most skin types, so you can say goodbye to that stinging, tight feeling.

Retinol

Retinol, derived from vitamin A, is the gold standard for boosting collagen production, evening out skin tone, and smoothing fine lines. 

While retinol can be a bit drying at first, they’re far less likely to scar or burn your skin than a DIY lemon mask—especially if you follow the “start low and go slow” approach.

Gentle exfoliating acids

If you crave that exfoliating zing without the zesty aftermath, look for alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic or glycolic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.

These are formulated in concentrations safe for your face. They work by dissolving dead skin cells, leaving your complexion bright and smooth—no burning or blistering required.

Let’s keep lemon in its happy place: your kitchen, refreshing beverages, salad dressings, and maybe a zesty marinade. Trust me, your taste buds and your skin will both be much happier.

Have you ever used lemon juice on your skin? How was the experience? Let’s chat in the comments below!