Potassium Citrate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a pH buffer and pH adjuster, helping formulas stay within a target acidity range. It can also support mild chelation by binding some metal ions that may affect color, scent, or stability.
What does Potassium Citrate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a pH buffer and pH adjuster, helping formulas stay within a target acidity range. It can also support mild chelation by binding some metal ions that may affect color, scent, or stability.
Is Potassium Citrate clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and has little restricted-list friction. Sensitivity concerns are low at normal cosmetic use levels, especially compared with more reactive preservatives or fragrance components.
Is Potassium Citrate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from a fermentation-derived organic acid that is neutralized with a mineral alkali. It is water-soluble, readily biodegradable in its organic portion, and not associated with persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.
Is Potassium Citrate COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when sourced and processed according to the standard. Its profile fits Green Chemistry well because it can be made through fermentation, uses simple neutralization chemistry, and has favorable biodegradability.
How does Potassium Citrate work chemically?
The molecule is an ionic salt of a small tricarboxylic acid, giving it high water solubility and useful buffering behavior around mildly acidic to near-neutral pH ranges. Typical use is often around 0.1% to 1% for buffering, and it is broadly stable in water-based formulas, though added electrolytes can affect some polymer thickeners.
Last updated 2026-05-13