Citric Acid

Citric acid is an organic acid that naturally occurs in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. In cosmetics, this ingredient functions as an alpha hydroxy acid, also called AHA, responsible for exfoliation. Adding this ingredient to cosmetic products assists in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, hence giving a fresh and brighter complexion. This mild exfoliation can also contribute to the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, at the same time improving the general skin texture.
Besides the exfoliating action proper, citric acid is also crucially applied in regulating the pH value of skincare products. A properly adjusted pH is a concern not only from the point of view of formulation stability and activity but also for skin comfort and safety. It's possible to use citric acid to adjust the pH to maintain it within the right range, hence enabling the effectiveness of other active agents to be enhanced.
Citric acid also exerts antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals that might act in skin aging and damage from environmental stressors like air pollution and UV radiation. Adding citric acid to a routine makes it useful not only for improving brightness and clarity of the skin but also for hydrating the skin to a certain degree.
Citric acid is also used in formulation to increase the stability of a product and inhibit the growth of microorganisms; hence, it finds frequent use as a preservative. Because of its natural origin and multifunctionality, citric acid is an appealing ingredient in a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturisers.
Generally well-tolerated, citric acid tends to be an irritant for sensitive skin because of its exfoliant nature; thus, one should be extra careful with products that include this ingredient in their formulation. Indeed, when applied correctly, citric acid may prove a very active and efficient ingredient of a skincare routine which contributes to skin texture, tone, and general health improvement.