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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0557 |
| Product Name | Citric Acid |
| CAS | 77-92-9 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Boric acid-potassium chloride-sodium hydroxide buffer |
| Description | Inherently natural as it occurs in citric fruits, produced by fermentation of carbohydrates |
| IUPAC Name | 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid |
| Molecular Weight | 192.12 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H8O7 |
| Canonical SMILES | C(C(=O)O)C(CC(=O)O)(C(=O)O)O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H8O7/c7-3(8)1-6(13,5(11)12)2-4(9)10/h13H,1-2H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10)(H,11,12) |
| InChI Key | KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Boiling Point | 248.08 °C |
| Melting Point | 153-159 °C(lit.) |
| Flash Point | 100 °C |
| Purity | 99%+ |
| Density | 1.67 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Solubility | Very soluble in water, slightly soluble in ether |
| Appearance | Solid |
| Application | Creams, lotions, shampoos, shower gels, bath bombs/fizzes (combined with sodium bicarbonate). |
| Storage | 2-8 °C |
| Composition | Citric acid |
| Features And Benefits | Acidulant (useful to adjust pH of products to make them more acid / less alkaline)Chelating effect (neutralizes minerals to enhance activity of antioxidants & preservatives)Buffering effect (helps to maintain pH between 2.5-6.5 & stabilizes active ingredients)At high concentration shows typical AHA properties (moisturizing, peeling, smoothing, anti-wrinkle effects). |
| GMO | GMOProducts are refined to the point that there is no detectable genetic material from the bioengineered crop. During the production of glucose syrup, genetically modified DNA from corn is denatured, degraded, or removed through successive processing steps including physical separation, heating, purification and filtration. DNA from genetically modified corn is not present in measurable amounts in glucose syrup. Consequently, it is not contained in the finished product. |
| HS Code | 1518004000 |
| INCI | Citric acid |
| Manufacture | Cultures of the mold Aspergillus niger are fed on a glucose-containing medium like molasses or hydrolyzed corn starch. After the mold is filtered out of the resulting solution, citric acid is isolated by precipitating it with calcium hydroxide to yield calcium citrate salt, from which citric acid is regenerated by treatment with sulfuric acid. |
| pH | 3.24 (1 mM solution) |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Glucose syrup derived from bioengineered corn. The corn contains genetically modified and non-genetically modified varieties of corn. It meets all Canadian and US guidelines for usage of transgenic grains. |
| Refractive Index | 1.493-1.509 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 132 Ų |
| Uses | For safe use do not use at >10% or at pH <3.5. Can be added to formulas as is. External use only. |
Citric Acid is a versatile alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally occurring in various fruits, playing a significant role in skincare and cellular processes. It is employed in chemical peels to exfoliate the skin by disrupting the cohesion of corneocytes on the epidermis, effectively removing dull and aged cells. Furthermore, Citric Acid enhances collagen I and procollagen II production, contributing to improved skin firmness and elasticity. It promotes cell migration and renewal by inducing the removal of sun-damaged epidermal cells through the mitochondrial pathway. At higher concentrations, it can increase epidermal thickness and boost glycosaminoglycan levels in UV-damaged skin. On a cellular level, Citric Acid is integral to the Krebs cycle, facilitating energy production and enhancing cell function, proliferation, and renewal. Additionally, as a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF), it binds water molecules, thus improving hydration, reducing transdermal water loss, and smoothing fine lines, resulting in more supple skin. Citric Acid also serves as a chelating agent that sequesters metal ions, preventing discoloration and maintaining preservative efficacy. Collectively, these attributes position Citric Acid as a valuable ingredient for promoting a fresher and more youthful complexion.
What is Citric Acid?
Citric Acid is a natural organic acid found in citrus fruits and is also manufactured for industrial purposes.
What are some industrial applications of Citric Acid?
Citric Acid is used in food and beverages, pharmaceutical preparations, detergents, bath products, skincare, haircare, and cosmetics.
What are some benefits of Citric Acid in skincare?
Citric Acid belongs to the AHA family of acids, which supports skin exfoliation and reveals a fresh complexion. It is also an antioxidant used in anti-aging applications.
How does Citric Acid contribute to product stability?
Citric Acid stabilizes the pH of formulations, enhancing the longevity of cosmetic products. It also has chelating properties, binding to trace metal ions and boosting the efficacy of preservatives and antioxidants.
What are some skin cleansing benefits of Citric Acid?
Citric Acid acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and dirt to reveal softer, smoother skin. It can reduce the appearance of scars, spots, and pigmentation issues.
How is Citric Acid used in shampoo formulations?
Citric Acid is used to lower the pH levels in shampoos, improving the appearance and manageability of hair by reducing frizz. It can also be used in rinses to fade colors from the hair.
How does Citric Acid help produce effervescence in bath bombs?
Citric Acid reacts with Baking Soda in bath bombs to release bubbles of carbon dioxide, creating effervescence or fizzing.
What types of formulations can Citric Acid be added to?
Citric Acid can be added to creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, bath products, and other cosmetics.
How can Citric Acid be used to adjust pH in formulations?
A Citric Acid solution can be made by mixing equal parts Distilled Water and Citric Acid. This solution can be added drop by drop to the formulation, monitoring the pH change until the desired level is reached.
Can Citric Acid be used in anhydrous products?
No, Citric Acid is soluble in water and cannot be used in anhydrous products such as body butters.
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