Citric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly obtained through industrial fermentation processes. It is available as a white crystalline powder or granules and is highly soluble in water.
In cosmetic and personal care formulations, Citric Acid is primarily used for pH adjustment, buffering and formulation stabilization. It can help bring formulations into the desired pH range and is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, creams, lotions, bath products and other personal care products.
Citric Acid can also function as a chelating agent, helping bind certain metal ions that may otherwise affect the stability or appearance of formulations. Its versatility makes it a valuable raw material for professional formulation and manufacturing applications.
The appropriate grade should always be selected according to the intended application, applicable regulations and supplier specifications.
Key Features
- High-purity Citric Acid
- White crystalline powder or granules
- Water-soluble organic acid
- Effective pH adjustment ingredient
- Useful buffering component
- Chelating/sequestering functionality
- Suitable for a wide range of formulations
- Easy to incorporate into water-based systems
- Widely used in cosmetic and personal care products
- Available in different grades depending on application
Benefits in Formulations
- Helps adjust formulation pH
- Supports pH control and buffering systems
- Can assist formulation stability through metal-ion chelation
- Easily incorporated into aqueous formulations
- Useful for developing balanced cosmetic formulations
- Helps formulators achieve the desired acidity level
- Suitable for a wide variety of formulation systems
Cosmetic & Personal Care Applications
Citric Acid is widely used in:
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair masks
- Hair cleansers
- Facial cleansers
- Face washes
- Body washes
- Liquid soaps
- Creams
- Lotions
- Toners
- Serums
- Bath products
- Bath bombs
- Exfoliating formulations
- Personal care products
Hair Care Applications
Citric Acid can be used in hair care formulations primarily for pH adjustment and formulation control.
Suitable applications include:
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair masks
- Hair cleansers
- Scalp-care formulations
- Hair treatment products
Skin Care Applications
Citric Acid can be incorporated into suitable skin care formulations where controlled pH and formulation performance are required.
Common applications include:
- Facial cleansers
- Face washes
- Toners
- Creams
- Lotions
- Serums
- Body washes
- Skin care emulsions
Bath & Personal Care Applications
Citric Acid is particularly well known as a formulation ingredient in bath products, including:
- Bath bombs
- Bath powders
- Effervescent products
- Bath salts
- Foot soak formulations
- Body care products
For effervescent formulations, Citric Acid can react with suitable alkaline ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate in the presence of moisture, producing the characteristic fizzing effect.
Food & Beverage Applications
Food-grade Citric Acid is commonly used as an acidulant, acidity regulator and flavor-related formulation ingredient in applications such as:
- Beverages
- Confectionery
- Jams and preserves
- Sauces
- Processed foods
- Powdered drink mixes
- Food preparations
Food applications should use only the appropriate food-grade material and comply with applicable food regulations.
Pharmaceutical & Laboratory Applications
Depending on the applicable grade and specifications, Citric Acid may also be used in:
- Pharmaceutical formulations
- Buffer systems
- Laboratory preparations
- Analytical applications
- Chemical formulations
The correct grade and regulatory documentation should be verified before use.
Industrial Applications
Citric Acid may also be used in selected industrial and cleaning formulations for:
- pH adjustment
- Chelation
- Descaling formulations
- Cleaning products
- Water-treatment-related formulations
- Chemical processing
Product Specifications
Product Name: Citric Acid
Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
INCI Name: Citric Acid
CAS Number: 77-92-9
Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇
Molecular Weight: 192.12 g/mol
Chemical Type: Organic Acid
Appearance: White crystalline powder or crystals
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Function: Acidulant, pH Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating Agent
Odour: Typically odourless
Grade: Depends on supplied specification and intended application
Formulation Uses
Citric Acid is generally added to the aqueous phase of a formulation or dissolved separately in water before incorporation, depending on the formulation system.
It can be used to adjust the final pH to the desired range. Because even small amounts can significantly affect pH, gradual addition and proper pH measurement are recommended during formulation development.
Usage level varies according to the application, target pH and overall formulation composition. Always follow the supplier’s technical data sheet and conduct appropriate stability and compatibility testing.
Important Formulation Note
Citric Acid is an acidic raw material. The required quantity should be determined through formulation testing rather than using a fixed dosage for every product. Final product pH should be measured using a properly calibrated pH meter.
Handling & Safety
Handle Citric Acid according to the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and technical documentation.
Avoid inhalation of dust and unnecessary contact with eyes and skin. Appropriate protective equipment should be used during bulk handling. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water and seek appropriate medical attention if irritation persists.
Use only the appropriate grade for the intended application.
Storage Information
Store Citric Acid in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area in a tightly sealed container. Protect from moisture, excessive heat, direct sunlight and contamination.
Keep the packaging properly closed when not in use. Follow the supplier’s recommended storage conditions and shelf-life information.
Why Choose Citric Acid?
Citric Acid is a highly versatile formulation ingredient with applications ranging from cosmetics and personal care to food, laboratory, pharmaceutical and industrial products. Its water solubility, pH-adjusting capability and chelating functionality make it an important raw material for a wide range of formulation requirements.
Suitable For
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Personal care manufacturers
- Skin care formulators
- Hair care formulators
- Bath product manufacturers
- Soap and cleanser manufacturers
- Food manufacturers using suitable food-grade material
- Chemical formulators
- Laboratories
- DIY formulation applications
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