INGREDIENTS IN DEPTH - CITRIC ACID

SUMMARY

GOOD  | SAFE TO BE USED IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS | APPROVED BY REGULATORY BODIES

A popular, well known organic acid which is safe cosmetics ingredient used in most of the personal care products to fight signs of ageing skin and to maintain the scalp health.

WHAT IS CITRIC ACID?

Citric acid is an organic acid that is found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and other fruits. It is a source of alpha hydroxy acid or AHA. When used as chemical peels it can help exfoliate the skin revealing healthier more rejuvenated skin. It is also used to balance the pH of skincare products to prevent them from being too alkaline. Citric acid has a pH level ranging between 3 and 6. It is weak acidic but powered with antioxidants and it stimulates collagen production. This helps in improving the texture and appearance of the skin. It is used in innumerable cosmetic products such as under-eye creams, serums, lip balms, moisturizing creams, soaps, hair sprays, deodorants.

REVIEW OF CITRIC ACID

Citric acid is one of the most researched and reviewed ingredients. Top regulatory bodies like FDA (Food and Drug Administration ensures the safety, efficacy and security of humans by making sure that cosmetics are safe to use), CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review thoroughly investigates the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), EU Cosmetics Regulation (It ensures the safety of the consumers while using the cosmetic products) and EWG (Environmental Working Group Skin Deep is a cosmetic database for ensuring the safety of ingredients being used in personal care products) along with popular skin care brand Paula's Choice have rated it safe for use in cosmetics, personal care products. 

BENEFITS OF CITRIC ACID

The multifaceted Citric acid has the following benefits:

• Promotes even skin tone: When dead skin cells get accumulated on the skin it leads to the skin looking uneven and dull. Citric acid acts as a natural skin scrubber and is extremely effective in removing the pigmentation on the skin.
• Unclogs pores: It unclogs pores and refines the texture of. It reduces blemishes, blackheads and controls formation of acne.
• Exhibits anti-ageing property: It is powered with antioxidants that fight free radicals and curb the signs of ageing skin. It makes the skin more firmer and smoother.
• Stimulates hair follicles: It improves blood circulation in the scalp thereby stimulating hair growth.
• Gets rid of dandruff: It absorbs excess oil that accumulated on the scalp. It exfoliates and cleanses the scalp thus removing the dandruff buildup and resulting in better scalp health and improved hair growth..
• Adds shine to hair: It prevents loss of moisture from the hair strands making them look glossier and shinier.

Thus, this ingredient is widely used in personal care products.