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Neutral
buffering chelating masking

Citric Acid

Citric Acid

Characteristics

INCI
Citric Acid
CAS
77-92-9, 5949-29-1
EC
201-069-1
IUPAC
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic Acid
Functions
buffering, chelating, masking

Who it's for

Skin Type
▲ Dry ▲ Oily ▲ Combination ▲ Normal
Face Concern
▼ Sensitive Skin ▼ Rosacea ▼ Eczema ▲ Anti-Aging ▲ Brightening ▲ Exfoliation
Hair Concern
▲ Bleached Hair ▲ Color-Treated
Application Area
▲ Face

Description

Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and is an AHA. If these magic three letters don’t tell you anything, click here and read our detailed description on glycolic acid, the most famous AHA. 

So citric acid is an exfoliant, that can - just like other AHAs - gently lift off the dead skin cells of your skin and make it more smooth and fresh. 

There is also some research showing that citric acid with regular use (think three months and 20% concentration) can help sun-damaged skin, increase skin thickness and some nice hydrating things called glycosaminoglycans in the skin. 

But according to a comparative study done in 1995, citric acid has less skin improving magic properties than glycolic or lactic acid. Probably that’s why citric acid is usually not used as an exfoliant but more as a helper ingredient in small amounts to adjust the pH of a formulation. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Citric Acid

What does citric acid do in skincare products?
Citric acid is mainly used as a pH adjuster in skincare, helping formulas stay in a range that is more skin-friendly and stable. It can also act as a mild exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid at higher, leave-on concentrations, but that is more relevant in treatment products than in everyday moisturizers.
Is citric acid good for your skin?
In cosmetics, citric acid can help improve how a product feels and performs by balancing pH and supporting formula stability. On skin, it may be helpful in exfoliating products, but it can also sting or irritate sensitive or compromised skin, especially if the product is acidic.
Can citric acid be irritating on the face?
Yes, it can be irritating, particularly in leave-on products or when used on very sensitive, dry, or damaged skin. People with rosacea, eczema, or a damaged skin barrier may notice stinging or redness more easily when a product contains citric acid.
Why is citric acid used in hair products?
Citric acid is often added to shampoos and conditioners to adjust pH, which helps keep hair cuticles smoother and formulas more effective. In rinse-off products it may also support a more balanced scalp environment, though it is not a conditioning ingredient on its own.
Is citric acid safe in cosmetic products?
Citric acid is considered safe for cosmetic use at the levels typically found in products, and it has a long history of use. Like many acids, it can be irritating if the formula is too strong or if your skin is already sensitive, so patch testing can be a good idea.

Evidence & Research on Citric Acid

Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinions 2
Scientific publications & sources 3
  • 1
    Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 23 (8) – Aug 1, 1997, Citric Acid Increases Viable Epidermal Thickness and Glycosaminoglycan Content of Sundamaged Skin
  • 2
    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 34, Issue 2, Part 1, , February 1996, Pages 187–195, Effects of α-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: Apilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study
  • 3
    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, , Volume 18 (2) – Apr 1, 1996, Comparative effectiveness of α‐hydroxy acids on skin properties

Products with Citric Acid (52 937 total)

Hair
Shampoos 5613 Conditioners & Masks 2895 Leave-in Care 1006 Styling 672 Hair Growth & Loss Prevention 438 Scalp Scrubs 272 Hair Coloring 141
Face Care
Moisturizers 4640 Cleansing 3893 Serums & Essences 3753 Eye Care 1421 Toning 1349 Masks 1247 Exfoliants & Peels 844 Face Sunscreen 760 Lip Balms & Scrubs 328
Body Care
Shower Gels & Bath Foams 2017 Body Moisturizers 1577 Body Sunscreen & Self-tan 392 Deodorants & Antiperspirants 176 Body Scrubs 157 Intimate Hygiene 71 Body Oils 55 Anti-cellulite & Stretch Marks 54 Hair Removal 20
Decorative Cosmetics
Base & Foundation 999 Makeup Removers 233 Lips 212 Eyes 192 Powders, Highlighters & Blush 96 Brows 48
Hands & Nails
Hand Creams 339 Nail Treatments 36 Cuticle Care 21 Nail Polish 21 Nail Polish Removers 1
Feet
Foot Creams 48 Callus & Corn Treatments 11 Foot Peels & Scrubs 9

Most often found in Garnier products (417 items)

ME+ AHA Fruit Acid Booster
ME+ ME+ AHA Fruit Acid Booster
ME+
ME+ AHA Fruit Acid Booster
ME+ Argan Oil Shampoo
ME+ ME+ Argan Oil Shampoo
ME+
ME+ Argan Oil Shampoo
Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
ME+ Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
ME+
Me+ Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
ME+ Hyaluronic Booster
ME+ ME+ Hyaluronic Booster
ME+
ME+ Hyaluronic Booster
ME+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster
ME+ ME+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster
ME+
ME+ Niacinamide & Zinc Booster
ME+ Niacinamide Moisturiser
ME+ ME+ Niacinamide Moisturiser
ME+
ME+ Niacinamide Moisturiser
ME+ Peptide Moisturiser
ME+
→
ME+ Pre Biotic Booster
ME+
→
ME+ Retinol Eye Cream
ME+
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Me+ Salicylic Acid Cleanser With Ceramides
ME+
→
ME+ Salicylic Acid With Cica Booster
ME+
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17. Second Skin Enhancing Concealer
17.
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All 52 937 products →
Synonyms
— Citric Acid ? Citric Acid "Citric Acid (0.1%)Citric Acid (Caprylic/Caprylic Acid) Citric Acid (Ci 77510)Citric Acid (Vitamin A)‚ Citric Acid‚ [] Citric Acid * -Citric Acid * Citric Acid ** Citric Acid **Citric Acid *Citric Acid ‧ Citric Acid ˜Citric Acid