True. The humble lemon is one of nature's greatest ingredients and it has been employed cosmetically for centuries. It is packed with antioxidants, has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is high in Vitamin C. However it is the alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon juice that lighten and brighten the skin and hair. The alpha-hydroxy acids in lemon juice have mild exfoliative effects which gently peel off the upper layer of skin, removing or lightening some age spots.