Citric Acid Powder
C₆H₈O₇
Versatile pH Balancer & Natural Preservative for Skincare & DIY Formulations
Overview
Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally found in citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges), but most commercial citric acid is produced via microbial fermentation of sugars (e.g., Aspergillus niger). As a powder, it’s a multifunctional ingredient in skincare, cleaning products, and food preservation.
Key Benefits in Skincare
- pH Adjustment:
- Lowers the pH of formulations (ideal for toners, serums, and exfoliants) to enhance ingredient efficacy (e.g., vitamin C, AHAs).
- Chelating Agent:
- Binds to metal ions in water, preventing oxidation and extending product shelf life.
- Gentle Exfoliation:
- Works synergistically with AHAs (like glycolic acid) to dissolve dead skin cells.
- Antioxidant & Preservative:
- Inhibits bacterial growth and stabilizes formulations in low concentrations.
Common Uses
- DIY Toners: Adjust pH to 3.5–5.5 for optimal skin barrier support.
- Bath Bombs: Reacts with baking soda for fizz (combine with essential oils for aromatherapy).
- Hair Care: Removes mineral buildup from hard water in clarifying shampoos.
- Food Preservation: Prevents browning in canned fruits or homemade jams.