The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Citric Acid
aka 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Ubiquitous pH adjuster, chelating agent, and mild AHA in cosmetic formulations. Provides buffering, stabilisation, and pH management across product types.
- pH adjustment and buffering
- Chelating agent — reduces heavy metal-catalysed oxidation
- Mild AHA exfoliation at higher concentrations
- Preservative system enhancement
- Antioxidant via metal chelation
- Foaming gel cleansers
- Vitamin C serums (pH management)
- Purple shampoos
- Brightening toners
- SPF sunscreens (stabilisation)
Highly water-soluble across all cosmetic pH. At high concentrations (>5%) functions as chemical exfoliant; at low concentrations purely as pH adjuster.
At exfoliant concentrations increases photosensitivity. Stronger than some AHAs at equivalent pH.
Universally accepted in clean beauty. Naturally occurring in citrus fruits. EWG rating 1.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Citric Acid
aka 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Ubiquitous pH adjuster, chelating agent, and mild AHA in cosmetic formulations. Provides buffering, stabilisation, and pH management across product types.
- pH adjustment and buffering
- Chelating agent — reduces heavy metal-catalysed oxidation
- Mild AHA exfoliation at higher concentrations
- Preservative system enhancement
- Antioxidant via metal chelation
- Foaming gel cleansers
- Vitamin C serums (pH management)
- Purple shampoos
- Brightening toners
- SPF sunscreens (stabilisation)
Highly water-soluble across all cosmetic pH. At high concentrations (>5%) functions as chemical exfoliant; at low concentrations purely as pH adjuster.
At exfoliant concentrations increases photosensitivity. Stronger than some AHAs at equivalent pH.
Universally accepted in clean beauty. Naturally occurring in citrus fruits. EWG rating 1.