The safety of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is controversial. On the one hand, some companies are removing grapefruit seed extract from their products. On the other, some say it’s non-toxic and has no harmful side-effects.
Grapefruit seed extract has been used for many years as a safe alternative to chemical preservatives. However, a study done in 1999 in Germany on six samples of grapefruit seed extract showed contamination with benzethonium chloride in five of the six samples tested. Three of these five samples were also found to contain triclosan and methyl paraben. Each of these samples showed antimicrobial activity. The one sample that contained no preservatives showed no antimicrobial activity. This study concluded that the antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed extract was due to the chemical preservatives detected, not to the grapefruit seed extract.
Conversely, Nutribiotics, one of the major suppliers of grapefruit seed extract, states that their grapefruit seed extract products have been “proven clean” and effective by independent laboratory tests. They assert that grapefruit seed extract has been used safely for many years. It is “non-toxic, biodegradable, economical, with no harmful side-effects.”
So, when choosing products containing grapefruit seed extract, make sure the grapefruit seed extract in the products you choose comes from a reputable source with independent lab tests to verify safety and effectiveness. Quality, safety and effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract may vary among different brands.
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