Averrhoa carambola Fruit Extract—better known as starfruit extract—is a bright, fruit-derived active rich in organic acids, sugars, polyphenols, and minerals. In skincare, it’s valued for gentle surface renewal, lightweight hydration, and antioxidant care that helps keep skin looking fresh and luminous. Its balanced composition makes it a handy all-rounder for daily formulas seeking a smooth, refined finish without heaviness.
What It Does
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Refines texture: Naturally occurring AHAs (e.g., citric and malic acids) support mild exfoliation to soften rough patches and promote a more even-looking complexion.
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Antioxidant support: Polyphenols help defend against everyday environmental stressors, assisting with a brighter, more resilient appearance.
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Hydrates & balances: Fruit sugars and minerals contribute to lightweight moisture, helping skin feel comfortable while supporting a clearer-looking T-zone.
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Boosts radiance: Regular use can enhance surface clarity, giving skin a cleaner, “just-polished” glow.
Sensory & Suitability
Expect a water-light feel that layers cleanly under serums, gels, and lotions. With considered formulation, it absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, non-tacky afterfeel. Suitable for normal, combination, and oilier skin types; dry or sensitive skin can also enjoy it when paired with barrier-supporting ingredients and moderate use.
Formulation Notes
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Formats: Ideal in clarifying toners, brightening essences, oil-free serums, light gel-creams, and rinse-off cleansers or masks.
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pH Window: Often performs best in mildly acidic systems to preserve efficacy and sensory comfort.
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Use Levels: Commonly low-to-moderate percentages depending on standardised strength and product type.
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Stability: Protect from excessive heat and light; consider antioxidant and chelation strategies to maintain colour and performance.
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Compatibility: Works well alongside humectants, film-formers, and mild surfactant systems for cleansers.
Complementary Actives
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Hydration & barrier: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, beta-glucan.
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Clarity & tone: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid (leave-on), licorice root, vitamin C derivatives.
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Surface smoothness: Polyhydroxy acids (gluconolactone), gentle enzymes (papain/bromelain) in rinse-off formats.
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Calm & comfort: Allantoin, bisabolol, centella asiatica actives.
Scent, Colour & Aesthetics
The extract can range from colourless to pale yellow depending on concentration and solvent system. Odour is typically mild to fruity-acidic in the bulk; final aroma is readily masked or aligned with citrus/green-fruit fragrance profiles. It supports transparent or lightly tinted aqueous aesthetics and pairs nicely with fresh, “clean” visual branding.
Sustainability & Sourcing
Starfruit thrives in tropical regions and can be sourced with attention to responsible agriculture and waste reduction (e.g., valorising surplus or off-grade fruit). Look for suppliers offering traceable chains, thoughtful water and energy practices, and documentation such as specification sheets and, where available, standardisation of key markers.
On the Label
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INCI: Averrhoa carambola Fruit Extract
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Positioning Claims (examples): “Brightening,” “Radiance,” “Pore-refining,” “Gently exfoliating,” “Antioxidant,” “Lightweight hydration.”
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Skin-Friendly Notes: “Dermatologically tested,” “Suitable for daily use,” and “Non-greasy finish,” as supported by your final formula and testing.
How To Use (Consumer Direction)
Apply after cleansing as a toner/essence or before moisturiser as a serum. Start 3–4 times per week, then build to daily as tolerated. Use sunscreen in the day. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Properties
Antioxidant, Peeling agent, Anti-microbial
INCI Name
Averrhoa carambola Fruit Extract
