Citric Acid

Citric Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits but commercially produced through fermentation of sugar substrates by Aspergillus niger mold. In cosmetics, it serves as a multifunctional workhorse ingredient, primarily used to adjust and buffer pH to optimal ranges for product stability and skin compatibility, while also chelating metal ions that could otherwise catalyze oxidation and degradation. Formulators favor it for its excellent solubility, clean label appeal, and ability to enhance preservative efficacy while providing mild antioxidant benefits at concentrations typically ranging from 0.01-2%.