What is citric acid?
Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. It's known as alpha-hydroxy acid, and is often used in anti-aging skincare to promote skin peeling and regrowth.
What is it used for?
Citric acid is used as:
- a chelating agent (improves stability upon contact with air - stops the product going off)
- a pH adjuster (ensures that the product is not too acidic and not too alkaline, in other words, that it is mild and non irritating).
- preservative;
- antioxident.
Is citric acid safe?
EWG Skin Deep rating: 2 (low hazard)
Health Concerns
It's use restricted in Canadian cosmetics. Although it is a natural product, it is an acid and can cause skin irritation and severe eye irritation.
Also known as:
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID; CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS; 2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID; 1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-; MONOHYDRATE CITRIC ACID; 2-HYDROXY- 1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID; 1,2,3PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2HYDROXY; 1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-; 2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID; ACILETTEN; ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID
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