Citric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. It belongs to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and is widely used to adjust and maintain a formula's pH balance, helping support product stability and performance. At appropriate concentrations, it can also act as an exfoliating ingredient, helping remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.

Key Benefits:

pH Balance: Helps maintain the desired pH of skincare formulations.

Formula Stability: Supports product stability and performance.

Exfoliation: Can help remove dead skin cells when formulated at exfoliating concentrations.

Fun Fact:

Citric Acid was first isolated from lemon juice in 1784 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele!

INCI Name: Citric Acid

Source:

Fiume, M. M., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of citric acid, inorganic citrate salts, and alkyl citrate esters as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2_suppl), 16S–46S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814526891

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Alpha hydroxy acids. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids