Citric Acid ND ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in water-based formulas. It can also support chelation, helping formulas manage trace metal ions that may affect stability.
What does Citric Acid ND do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in water-based formulas. It can also support chelation, helping formulas manage trace metal ions that may affect stability.
Is Citric Acid ND clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is a standard, well-tolerated ingredient with broad acceptance and no major restricted-list friction. At low pH or higher use levels, it can sting sensitive skin because it increases formula acidity.
Is Citric Acid ND sustainable?
This material is commonly produced by fermentation of plant-derived sugars and is readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is generally strong, with the main variables being sugar sourcing, fermentation inputs, and manufacturing energy use.
Is Citric Acid ND COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when made and processed according to the standard. It aligns well with Green Chemistry principles because it can be fermentation-derived, biodegradable, water-compatible, and useful at low levels.
How does Citric Acid ND work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-soluble tricarboxylic alpha-hydroxy acid with pKa values around 3.1, 4.8, and 6.4, which lets it buffer formulas in the acidic range. It is typically used below 1% for pH adjustment and buffering, while higher acid-phase levels can contribute mild exfoliation and require pH and preservative compatibility checks.
Last updated 2026-08-16