CAKEID.DIET

Is Fresh Citrus Vegan?

No, Fresh Citrus is not considered vegan. While the name suggests a simple fruit extract, a deep dive into the ingredient label reveals a complex formulation that includes shea butter. While shea butter is a plant product, it is frequently processed with bone char filters during sugar refining, creating a significant gray area for strict vegans. This product is best described as plant-based, but not strictly vegan.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing name. The product labeled 'Fresh Citrus' is actually a deodorant, not a food item, but the vegan analysis remains the same. The primary reason this product fails the vegan test is the inclusion of butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter. While shea butter is derived from the nut of the shea tree, its processing is the issue. To achieve the pure white color required for consumer products, raw shea butter is often filtered and bleached. This bleaching process frequently utilizes bone char—charred animal bones—to remove color and impurities. Strict vegans avoid this ingredient due to the potential animal involvement in its refinement.

Furthermore, the formula contains fragrance. In the fragrance industry, animal-derived fixatives like musk or ambergris are sometimes used to prolong scent life. While most modern fragrances are synthetic, the term 'fragrance' is a trade secret loophole that allows companies to hide animal-derived components without listing them individually. Without a 'cruelty-free' or 'vegan' certification seal, the presence of animal-derived scent molecules cannot be ruled out.

Finally, we see triethyl citrate. This is generally derived from citric acid and is usually vegan. However, citric acid production can sometimes involve a fermentation process that uses nutrient broths derived from animal sources, though this is rare. The combination of unrefined shea butter and vague fragrance ingredients makes the verdict clear.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:
butter

Nutritional Value

Since Fresh Citrus is a personal care product rather than a food item, it does not possess a nutritional profile in the traditional sense. It contains no calories, sugars, fats, or proteins that would impact your dietary intake. However, if we were analyzing a food product with a similar ingredient list—specifically one containing shea butter—we would look at the fat content. Shea butter is high in saturated fats and calories. If this were a food, it would be calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation, particularly by those monitoring their cholesterol or saturated fat intake. As a topical product, the only 'absorption' concerns are dermal, not dietary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fresh Citrus contain dairy or gluten?

No, the ingredient list does not explicitly contain dairy (milk) or gluten (wheat). However, the shea butter may be processed in facilities that handle dairy, and the lack of a gluten-free certification means cross-contamination is possible.

Is Fresh Citrus good for weight loss?

This is a deodorant, not a food. It has no impact on weight loss or weight gain as it is not ingested.

Where can I buy Fresh Citrus?

Fresh Citrus products are widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and on Amazon.

Is Fresh Citrus safe for kids?

While the ingredients are generally safe for topical use, products containing magnesium hydroxide and fragrance can irritate the sensitive underarm skin of young children. It is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Fresh Citrus

Fresh Citrus

Vegan Analysis

The Verdict
Not Vegan
Find Alternative

We recommend searching for certified Vegan alternatives.

Pro Tip

Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!