pH Adjuster

Citric Acid Monohydrate

Citric Acid Monohydrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH balance of cosmetic formulations.
Generally Safe
This ingredient has a good safety profile based on available data.
Purpose

Function

Tricarboxylic acid used primarily as pH adjuster, buffering agent, and chelating agent, with mild exfoliant contribution in combination peels. In triple-acid peel formulations (salicylic + citric + mandelic acids) demonstrated clinically significant reduction in inflammatory lesions and PIH in Fitzpatrick IV–V patients. Sodium citrate form used to buffer PHA (gluconolactone) formulations to prevent pH drift.
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Malassezia
Safe
Fungal Acne
Safe
Details

Description

Citric Acid Monohydrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH balance of cosmetic formulations.

Reference

Identifiers

Category
pH Adjuster
Updated
Apr 23, 2026

No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.