A 3-step morning routine for a radiant, even complexion
Complimentary gift with every purchase over $85
Get your personalized back-to-school diagnosis in under 4 minutes
Library
All Topics
White wavy lines texture on a surfaceCitric Acid

Citric Acid

Commonly known as: Citric Acid Monohydrate, 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid, 3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentanedioic Acid.
I.N.C.I. list name: Citric Acid.
Extraction process: Microbial fermentation (Aspergillus niger) of glucose syrup derived from corn.
Source: Plant-based.
Botanical name: Zea mays.
Family: Poaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Corn starch.
Provenance, origin: China, Austria.
Chemical characteristics: Alpha-hydroxy tricarboxylic acid (AHA); Molecular weight: 192.124 g/mol; Soluble in water and alcohol; Insoluble in oil; Density: 1.542 - 1.665 g/cm3.
Characteristics: Emulsion, true aqueous solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: /
Function: pH regulator, chelating agent, masking agent.
Properties: Keratolytic, moisturizing, antioxidant, astringent, acidifying, effervescent.
Benefits: All skin types, particularly dull skin, skin prone to blemishes, and those showing superficial marks left by a pimple; All hair types, especially dull hair.

Details

Usage

  • Facial Care (lotions, moisturizing creams, serums, makeup removers, cleansing gels, masks, eye contour treatments, lash serums/gels);

  • Body Care (body creams, after-sun lotions, sun creams/sprays, self-tanners, hand creams);

  • Hair Care (shampoos);

  • Hygiene (shower gels/foams/creams, mouthwashes, toothpastes, bath bombs/effervescent tablets, deodorants).

Exfoliating Cleansing Gel - with 5% PHA + Aloe Vera
Exfoliating
Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

with 5% PHA + Aloe Vera — $32.90
Purifying Cleansing Gel - with 2% Zinc PCA + Bamboo Extract
Purifying
Purifying Cleansing Gel

with 2% Zinc PCA + Bamboo Extract — $32.90
Anti-Mark Serum - with 14% PHA + Centella Asiatica
Anti-marks
Anti-Mark Serum

with 14% PHA + Centella Asiatica — from $32.90
Self-Tanning Serum - with 10% DHA + carob pulp extract
Self-Tanning Serum

with 10% DHA + carob pulp extract — from $29.90
Eyebrow & Eyelash Serum - with 2% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil
Fortifying
Eyebrow & Eyelash Serum

with 2% Pea Peptides + Castor Oil — $35.90
Serum for Hyperpigmentation and Loss of Firmness - with 5% Tranexamic Acid + Tetrapeptide
Serum for Hyperpigmentation and Loss of Firmness

with 5% Tranexamic Acid + Tetrapeptide — from $45.90
Targeted Blemish Serum - with 2% Salicylic Acid + 1% Zinc
Bestseller
Targeted Blemish Serum

with 2% Salicylic Acid + 1% Zinc — from $21.90
Mattifying Serum - with 10% Azelaic Acid
Mattifying
Mattifying Serum

with 10% Azelaic Acid — from $25.20
Hydrating Serum - with 3% Hyaluronic Acid + 2% B5
HYDRATING
Hydrating Serum

with 3% Hyaluronic Acid + 2% B5 — from $25.90
Plumping serum - with 3% Polyglutamic Acid + Red Seaweed Extract
Plumping
Plumping serum

with 3% Polyglutamic Acid + Red Seaweed Extract — from $28.90
Even-Complexion Serum - with 12% Niacinamide
Anti-redness
Even-Complexion Serum

with 12% Niacinamide — from $26.90
Eye Serum - with 5% Caffeine + 5% Niacinamide
Bestseller
Eye Serum

with 5% Caffeine + 5% Niacinamide — from $33.50
Tinted Concealer
6 shades
Tinted Concealer
— $32.90
Nourishing Body Cream - with 10% Squalane + Shea Butter
Nourishing
Nourishing Body Cream

with 10% Squalane + Shea Butter — $32.90

Method of Preservation

Store in a dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 86°F and at a humidity level below 70%. Avoid excessive heat for extended periods of time.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Citric acid is a safe-to-use ingredient. However, it can cause some skin irritations. Avoid direct contact with the eyes and never use it undiluted on the skin.

Citric acid can have a photosensitizing effect on the skin when present in high percentages. That's why it's recommended to use a suitable sun protection during the day. As a cosmetic active, it is preferable to use it preferably in the evening. Finally, combining it with other acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc...) is not recommended.

Find out more

Citric acid is a plant-based acid found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly in citrus fruits (limes, lemons, strawberries, pineapples, oranges, etc...). It was first isolated from lemon juice in 1784 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm SCHEELE, hence its name. Today, it is primarily produced through biotechnology or by using a fungus (Aspergillus niger) through the fermentation of a sugary solution. Although it is mainly used to adjust the pH of cosmetic preparations and to prepare effervescent products, citric acid is also used as a cosmetic active ingredient. Indeed, it is valued for its keratolytic and astringent effects, promoting cellular renewal and the elimination of dead cells. It thus gives the skin a radiant glow.