Powder Citric Acid ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster, helping bring formulas into a skin-appropriate or preservative-effective range. It can also support mild chelation by binding metal ions that may affect color, odor, or stability.
What does Powder Citric Acid do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a pH adjuster, helping bring formulas into a skin-appropriate or preservative-effective range. It can also support mild chelation by binding metal ions that may affect color, odor, or stability.
Is Powder Citric Acid clean?
This ingredient is broadly accepted by clean-beauty standards and is not a typical restricted-list concern. It is generally well tolerated at pH-adjusting levels, though low-pH formulas can cause stinging on sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin.
Is Powder Citric Acid sustainable?
This material is commonly produced by fermentation of sugar feedstocks such as corn, beet, or molasses, followed by purification and crystallization. It is readily biodegradable and has low environmental persistence.
Is Powder Citric Acid COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when made with allowed processes and feedstocks. Its fermentation-based production, water compatibility, and biodegradability fit well with Green Chemistry principles.
How does Powder Citric Acid work chemically?
The molecule is a small tricarboxylic organic acid with one hydroxyl group, giving it three main acid dissociation points around pH 3.1, 4.8, and 6.4. In cosmetics, it is often used around 0.05% to 0.5% for pH adjustment, with higher levels reserved for intentionally low-pH exfoliating systems that require careful buffering and irritation assessment.
Last updated 2026-05-13