Citric ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and mild chelator in beauty and personal care formulas. It helps set product acidity and can support preservative performance by keeping the formula in the intended pH range.
What does Citric do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and mild chelator in beauty and personal care formulas. It helps set product acidity and can support preservative performance by keeping the formula in the intended pH range.
Is Citric clean?
It is broadly accepted in clean-beauty frameworks and is generally well tolerated at normal formulation levels. At lower pH or higher levels, it can cause stinging on sensitive or compromised skin, which is a formulation issue rather than a restricted-list concern.
Is Citric sustainable?
This material is commonly produced by fermentation of sugar-based feedstocks and is readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is generally strong, with the main variables being feedstock sourcing, fermentation inputs, and manufacturing efficiency.
Is Citric COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when it meets the standard’s sourcing and processing requirements. It fits Green Chemistry principles well because it can come from fermentation, biodegrades readily, and performs multiple functions at low use levels.
How does Citric work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-soluble tricarboxylic alpha-hydroxy acid that lowers pH and complexes metal ions through its carboxyl groups. Typical use is often around 0.05% to 0.5% for pH adjustment, with higher levels possible in acid-focused products depending on target pH, buffering system, and skin-feel goals.
Last updated 2026-05-13