Citric Acid
Our database includes 14,495 products that contain Citric Acid.
Explained
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
You should know
What it is
AHA
Form of AHA
AHAs (or Alpha Hydroxy Acids) remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Benefits
Brightening
Good for Brightening
Brightening
Texture
Good for Texture
The most common cause of textured skin is a build up of dead skin cells. The easiest way to get rid of textured skin is to exfoliate and give your skin the proper nutrients.
Large Pores
Reduces Large Pores
Pores are little openings on the skin that let out sweat and oil. They can become enlarged from excessive sebum production, acne, sun damage, and by using pore-clogging ingredients.
Scar Healing
Good for Scar Healing
A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that remains after the skin has been wounded and healed.
Concerns
Irritation
May cause Irritation
Skin irritation can arise from a number of reasons: very dry skin, sensitivity to certain ingredients, allergies, dermatitis, bug bites, eczema, rosacea, and illness are common factors.
Rosacea
Can worsen Rosacea
Rosacea may be genetic or triggered by mites, bacteria, or blood vessel issues. The most common symptom is redness of the face.
Community Rating
Disliked
What it does
Masking
Obscuring or blocking
Buffering
Buffering ingredients help stabilise or adjust the ph level of a product.
Prevalence
Common
Percentage of products that contain it
27.6%
Top categories
Cleansers
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position
Predominant list placement
Bottom 25%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
0% to
7%
References
Products with Citric Acid
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
32858
INCI Name
CITRIC ACID
INN Name
citric acid
EC #
 201-069-1
Ph. Eur. Name
acidum citricum
All Functions
Buffering, Chelating, Masking
