Citric acid is a natural multitasker in clean beauty formulations, balancing pH levels, gently exfoliating, and enhancing the effectiveness of active ingredients.
Derived from renewable sources through fermentation, this biodegradable ingredient exemplifies Natural Moxy’s commitment to effective, eco-conscious skincare and haircare.
1. Ingredient Identity
INCI Name: Citric Acid
CAS Number: 77‑92‑9
Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇ (3)
Other Identifiers:
• Also known as 2‑Hydroxy‑1,2,3‑propanetricarboxylic acid
• Classification: Organic acid (AHA)
2. Ingredient Characteristics
Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits and widely used in cosmetics for its pH‑adjusting, chelating, and mild exfoliating properties.
Key Bioactive Characteristics
• Organic acid (AHA) with mild exfoliating ability at higher concentrations (3, 4)
• Chelating agent that binds metal ions and improves formula stability (3)
• Buffering agent that helps maintain optimal pH in cosmetic products (5)
Functional Properties
• pH adjuster
• Chelating agent
• Mild exfoliant (AHA)
• Preservative‑enhancing support
• Astringent (1, 3, 5)
Typical Cosmetic Roles
• Controls pH in skincare and haircare formulations
• Enhances preservative systems
• Helps remove dead skin cells and brighten skin tone (at appropriate concentrations)
• Improves product stability by binding metal ions (3, 5)
3. Raw Material Origin
• Natural Source: Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges) (1)
• Commercial Production: Primarily produced by fermenting glucose or molasses using Aspergillus niger (1, 2)
• Feedstock: Renewable plant‑based sugars such as corn, sugar beets, or sugarcane (2)
4. Usage Insights
Cosmetic Applications
• pH adjustment in cleansers, toners, serums, shampoos, and conditioners
• Chelation to prevent discoloration or instability
• Gentle exfoliation in AHA blends
• Enhances preservative efficacy by lowering pH (3, 5)
Haircare Benefits
• Helps remove mineral buildup
• Supports shine by smoothing the cuticle at low pH
• Improves product performance in hard‑water environments (5)
Our Crown Peptide Serum uses citric acid to balance scalp pH and enhance peptide absorption for healthier, stronger hair.
Skincare Benefits
• Brightens dull skin through mild exfoliation
• Helps maintain a balanced pH for barrier health
• Supports smoother texture and improved absorption of actives (4, 5)
5. Sustainability
Water Usage & Climate Suitability
• Feedstocks (corn, sugarcane, beets) are widely cultivated renewable crops.
Regenerative or Low‑Impact Traits
• Fermentation‑based production is considered resource‑efficient and scalable (2)
Notes on Variability
• Environmental impact depends on the agricultural practices of the sugar source (2)
6. Environmental Footprint
Biodegradability
• Citric acid is readily biodegradable, breaking down naturally in soil and water systems (4)
• Fully biodegradable and environmentally safe at cosmetic concentrations (4)
Chemical Inputs
• Production relies on microbial fermentation rather than petrochemical synthesis (2)
Soil & Water Impact
• Low environmental persistence due to rapid biodegradation (4)
Carbon Footprint
• Fermentation‑based production has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic acids (2)
7. Production Process
Harvesting
• Citrus fruits harvested for natural citric acid content (minor source)
• Industrial production relies on plant‑based sugars (1)
Extraction / Fermentation
• Sugars are fermented using Aspergillus niger to produce citric acid (1, 2)
• Product is purified through precipitation and crystallization
Refining Notes
• High purity achieved through multi‑step filtration
• Non‑GMO fermentation strains available depending on the supplier (2)
8. Socioeconomic Impact
Employment Generation
• Supports agricultural sectors producing corn, sugarcane, and beets
• Fermentation facilities provide manufacturing jobs
Income Diversification
• Citric acid is a high‑volume, globally traded ingredient used across food, pharma, and cosmetics
9. Medicinal & Ecological Benefits
Traditional Uses
• Historically used for food preservation and flavoring
Documented Properties
• Chelating and antioxidant‑supportive behavior (3)
• Mild keratolytic (exfoliating) effects as an AHA (4)
Ecological Roles
• Fully biodegradable and environmentally safe at cosmetic concentrations (4)
10. Market Impact
• High global demand due to its multifunctionality
• Widely used in natural and clean‑beauty formulations
• Considered a safe, effective, and renewable‑origin ingredient in personal care (2, 4)
11. Citations
(1) ACS — Molecule of the Week: Citric Acid
(2) Jungbunzlauer — Citric Acid in Personal Care Products
(3) SpecialChem — Citric Acid Ingredient Profile
(4) CosmeticsInfo — Citric Acid Safety & Environmental Information
(5) COSMILE Europe — Citric Acid Ingredient Database