The key lime grows on the Citrus aurantifolia tree, mainly cultivated in Brazil and Mexico these days although it is native to Southeast Asia. Fruits are usually picked when green and unripe, making them richer in acid and sugar than lemons.

- Limes (and their oil) contain citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation and helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking radiant and smooth.
- Their acidity helps add shine to the hair as it smooths the cuticle, allowing it to reflect light better.
- It is a top note in perfume blends, meaning it’s the first one your nose will pick up, but it’s also the first to evaporate on the skin.

Lush purchases lime oil from a producer in Mexico. The whole fruit, peel included, is pressed to obtain a juice-and-oil emulsion that is then steam distilled to recover the aromatic oil. We also use fresh and dried limes in our products, which can come from different places.