Description

Citric Acid

What is Citric Acid?

Citric Acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from citrus fruits. It comes in the form of a white, crystalline powder and is water-soluble. In personal care and handmade products, it's used primarily as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, and exfoliant.

Key Benefits & Functions:

• ⚖️ pH Adjuster: Lowers the pH of formulations to match skin-friendly levels.

• 🧼 Chelating Agent: Binds metal ions in water (like calcium and magnesium), improving product clarity and stability.

• 🍋 Mild AHA Exfoliant: Promotes gentle skin exfoliation and brightening.

• 💣 Reacts with Baking Soda: Creates the fizzing effect in bath bombs and fizzy tablets.

Common Uses:

• Bath Bombs and shower steamers

• Shampoos, conditioners, and hair rinses

• Facial cleansers and toners

• Liquid soaps and body washes

• Lotions and creams (for pH control)

• Dishwashing and cleaning products

• Preservative booster (by reducing pH and increasing preservative effectiveness)

Usage Rates:

ApplicationTypical Usage RateBath Bombs (with Baking Soda)10% – 30%Skincare Products (Exfoliation)0.1% – 2%pH AdjustmentAs needed (typically <1%)Shampoos/Soaps0.1% – 0.5%Cleaning Products1% – 10%

✅ Always test pH when using citric acid to avoid making formulations too acidic.

Formulation Tips:

• Dissolve in water before adding to formulations to ensure even distribution.

• When used in bath bombs, balance with sodium bicarbonate in a 1:2 ratio for proper fizz.

• Use in small amounts to adjust the pH of emulsions, surfactant systems, or gel products.

• It can enhance preservative effectiveness by lowering the pH to microbial-safe levels.

• In higher concentrations, it can provide gentle exfoliating and skin-brightening properties.

Safety:

• Generally safe when used at cosmetic levels.

• High concentrations can irritate skin, especially in leave-on products.

• Always wear gloves and avoid inhaling fine powder when working in raw form.

Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed to prevent clumping from moisture.

• Citric acid is hygroscopic (absorbs water from the air), so keep it away from humidity.

Summary Table:

FunctionUsage RangeBath Bombs10% – 30% (with baking soda)Skincare Exfoliant0.1% – 2%pH Adjustment0.1% – 1% (as needed)Cleansing Products0.2% – 0.5%