Monosodium Citrate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a buffering and pH-adjusting agent, helping keep formulas in a controlled acidic range. It can also bind trace metal ions, which supports formula stability.
What does Monosodium Citrate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a buffering and pH-adjusting agent, helping keep formulas in a controlled acidic range. It can also bind trace metal ions, which supports formula stability.
Is Monosodium Citrate clean?
It has a strong clean-beauty profile, with low irritation potential and no common restricted-list concerns. It is not a fragrance allergen, preservative, or ethoxylated material.
Is Monosodium Citrate sustainable?
This ingredient is commonly made from fermentation-derived acid followed by neutralization with a sodium source. It is water-soluble, readily biodegradable, and not known for environmental persistence.
Is Monosodium Citrate COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS natural and organic standards when sourced and processed according to the standard. It fits Green Chemistry well through fermentation-based production, simple salt formation, water compatibility, and good biodegradability.
How does Monosodium Citrate work chemically?
The molecule is an ionic, water-soluble mono-sodium salt of a small tricarboxylic acid with hydroxyl functionality, which explains its buffering and metal-binding behavior. It is typically used at low levels, often about 0.05% to 0.5% for pH control, is most useful in mildly acidic systems, and is not prone to oxidation.
Last updated 2026-05-13