Citric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid widely used as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient in personal-care and formulation systems. Its INCI name is CITRIC ACID. Chemically, it is 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, a triprotic organic acid containing three carboxylic acid groups and one hydroxyl group.
Citric Acid is available commercially in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms. Anhydrous Citric Acid has CAS No. 77-92-9, molecular formula C₆H₈O₇, and molecular weight 192.13 g/mol. Citric Acid Monohydrate has CAS No. 5949-29-1, formula C₆H₈O₇·H₂O, and molecular weight 210.14 g/mol. JECFA describes citric acid as a white or colourless, odourless crystalline solid and reports very high solubility in water.
Citric Acid is an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid and is one of the most widely used acidulants and pH-adjusting raw materials. Depending on the grade, it may be supplied as anhydrous material or as the monohydrate.
USP-NF defines both anhydrous Citric Acid and Citric Acid Monohydrate at 99.5–100.5%, calculated on the anhydrous basis. These are pharmacopeial specifications and should not automatically be treated as the specification of every cosmetic grade.
JECFA also specifies Citric Acid at 99.5–100.5% on an anhydrous basis and identifies it as an acidifier, sequestrant and antioxidant synergist.
Citric Acid has several established functions in cosmetic formulations. COSMILE Europe identifies buffering and chelating among its cosmetic functions. As a buffering ingredient, Citric Acid helps control and stabilize the pH of formulations. As a chelating ingredient, it can bind certain metal ions that may otherwise influence formulation stability or appearance.
Citric Acid is also an important component of formulations based on fruit acids. At appropriately controlled concentrations and pH, alpha-hydroxy acid systems can support exfoliating effects by helping loosen the bonds between accumulated dead skin cells. COSMILE notes that higher concentrations require careful formulation and consideration of skin tolerance.
Citric Acid Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a wide range of personal-care formulations, including:
Its high water solubility makes Citric Acid particularly useful in aqueous formulations. JECFA describes it as very soluble in water and freely soluble in ethanol.
The selection of anhydrous Citric Acid versus Citric Acid Monohydrate should be based on the formulation's water balance and raw-material specification. The monohydrate contains one molecule of water of crystallization, while the anhydrous material does not.
Because Citric Acid strongly influences formulation pH, the quantity used should be determined together with the formulation's buffering system and target pH. Excessively acidic formulations may affect skin tolerance and the stability of other ingredients. COSMILE specifically notes that fruit-acid applications should be adapted to skin characteristics and concentration/pH should be carefully considered.
For commercial raw-material control, identity, assay, water content, residue, elemental impurities and other relevant quality attributes should be checked against the selected grade's specification.
Citric Acid is a widely used cosmetic raw material and personal-care ingredient for manufacturers developing skin-care, hair-care and other aqueous formulations. Businesses sourcing Citric Acid in India may require an appropriate grade, consistent technical specifications and batch-level quality documentation.
For B2B procurement, relevant searches include Citric Acid cosmetic ingredient manufacturer in India, Citric Acid supplier India, Citric Acid manufacturing in India, Citric Acid cosmetic raw material supplier, Citric Acid personal care ingredient supplier, and bulk Citric Acid ingredient supply.
The exact grade should be selected according to the intended cosmetic application and customer specification. Pharmacopeial or food-grade specifications should only be claimed where the supplied material actually meets the applicable standard.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 99.5–100.5% |
| Melting Point | 153–159°C |