Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient ●
TL;DR. This it is primarily used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, helping formulas land in a skin-appropriate pH range. It can also support mild chelation and, at higher levels, contribute gentle acid exfoliation.
What does Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient do in a cosmetic formula?
This it is primarily used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, helping formulas land in a skin-appropriate pH range. It can also support mild chelation and, at higher levels, contribute gentle acid exfoliation.
Is Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is well established, widely accepted, and not a typical restricted-list concern. It is generally well tolerated, though very low-pH formulas can sting or irritate sensitive skin because of acidity.
Is Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient sustainable?
This material is commonly produced by fermentation of plant-derived sugars such as corn, sugar beet, or cane. It is readily biodegradable and does not raise persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.
Is Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when sourced and processed according to the standard. It fits Green Chemistry principles well because it can be fermentation-derived, water soluble, biodegradable, and useful at low levels for pH control.
How does Citric Acid. *Organic Ingredient work chemically?
The molecule is a small, water-soluble tricarboxylic alpha hydroxy acid with three acid dissociation steps, with pKa values around 3.1, 4.8, and 6.4. Typical use is about 0.1 to 0.5% for pH adjustment, while exfoliating formats may use higher levels and require careful final pH control.
Last updated 2026-05-13