Citric Acid. F 305-2a ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used to adjust pH, helping formulas land in the right acidity range for stability, preservative performance, and skin feel. It can also support mild chelation by binding trace metal ions that may affect color, odor, or oxidation.
What does Citric Acid. F 305-2a do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used to adjust pH, helping formulas land in the right acidity range for stability, preservative performance, and skin feel. It can also support mild chelation by binding trace metal ions that may affect color, odor, or oxidation.
Is Citric Acid. F 305-2a clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is broadly accepted and not a common restricted-list concern. It is generally well tolerated at pH-adjusting levels, though very acidic formulas or higher levels can cause stinging on sensitive skin.
Is Citric Acid. F 305-2a sustainable?
This material is commonly produced by fermenting plant-derived sugars, so it can align well with renewable sourcing. It is readily biodegradable and not associated with environmental persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.
Is Citric Acid. F 305-2a COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when it meets the standard’s sourcing and processing requirements. Its fermentation-based production, biodegradability, and low persistence fit well with Green Chemistry principles.
How does Citric Acid. F 305-2a work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-soluble tricarboxylic organic acid with multiple acid groups, which explains its strong pH-adjusting and metal-binding behavior. In personal care, it is usually used in low amounts as needed to tune pH, often below 1%, and it is most relevant in water-based systems where final formula pH controls its effect.
Last updated 2026-05-13