Citric Acid
Citric acid is a gentle, natural acid commonly used in UK skincare and haircare to balance pH, brighten and exfoliate. You’ll find it in cleansers, toners, masks and serums where it helps products feel fresh and work more effectively.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, citric acid functions as a pH adjuster, chelating agent and mild alpha hydroxy acid. It helps stabilise formulations, enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and provides gentle exfoliation by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells, leaving the complexion looking brighter and smoother.
Key benefits
- Gently exfoliates to reveal brighter skin
- Helps balance the pH of formulations
- Acts as a chelating agent to improve product stability
- Enhances the appearance of radiance
- Refines skin texture when used in low concentrations
- Suitable for use in hair products to smooth the cuticle
Best for
dull skin, uneven skin tone, oily skin, combination skin, mature skin
Where it comes from
Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. It is typically obtained through fermentation of carbohydrate sources or extracted directly from these fruits for use in cosmetics.