Citric Acid Powder

Description

Citric Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that has many skin-loving benefits due to its antioxidant, exfoliation and skin-brightening properties. Citric Acid Powder is one of the main ingredients in bath bombs, and it is widely used to lower the PH of skin and hair care products to an acceptable non-irritating level.

INCI Name: Citric Acid

Appearance: Small white crystalline powder that looks like granulated sugar or salt.

Ingredient Type (Citric Acid): AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), PH Adjuster/ buffer, Chelating agent, Exfoliating Agent (Exfoliant), Antioxidant.

Ingredient Function: Exfoliation, Chelator

Applications: Bath bombs, bar soaps, lotions and creams

Solubility: Water

PH of Citric Acid: 3 to 6 (acidic)

Different Uses of Citric Acid Powder in Beauty and Cosmetic Industry

• PH Adjuster: Citric Acid Powder is used to lower the PH of bath and body care products including creams, lotions, soaps serums, toners and more. *To use for PH adjustment, first make a 50% citric acid solution (i.e. mix equal amounts of Distilled Water and Citric Acid Powder).
• Chelator: Citric Acid is used as a mild Chelator in bar soaps
• Bath Bomb Ingredient: Citric Acid is one of the main ingredients used in the making of bath bombs. It is mixed with Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) to add effervescent, fizzy properties to bath bombs and other bath products.
• Exfoliation: As an AHA, Citric Acid has exfoliating properties which helps brighten the skin. When used in the right concentration it helps to exfoliate (remove) the upper dull or dead skin, thereby revealing a brighter and youthful skin glow, as well as minimizing the appearance of scars and dark spots (promoting an even skin tone). *Note that in the exfoliation department, Citric Acid is not as good as other AHAs like Glycolic and Lactic Acid.

Uses of Citric Acid Powder in Home Cleaning Products

Citric Acid Powder is widely used as an ingredient for making DIY homemade cleaning products, as well as many commercial cleaning products. That is because Citric Acid is effective at removing soap scum, rust, stains (including toilet bowl stains), calcium and lime deposits, scales on bathroom tiles, hard water deposits in kettles and humidifiers.

Popular homemade cleaners made with Citric acid mixed with Vinegar are effective at descaling and removing limescale and minor mould infestations in the house.

USAGE RATES (Citric Acid in Bath and Body Products):

• In Skincare Products: 0.1% to 0.5% in creams, lotions and deodorants
• In Shampoos: 0.1% to 0.5%
• In Hair Conditioners: 2% to 4%
• In Soaps: 2% to 4%
• In Bath Bombs: 25% and above (and used in ratio 1:3 or 1:2 of Citric Acid:Sodium Bicarbonate)
• In Exfoliating Products: Above 10% at a low PH
• As PH Adjuster:  Make a 50% Citric Acid Solution (equal part Distilled Water mixed with equal part Citric Acid).
• As a Chelator in Soaps: 1% to 2%  (Sodium Citrate and Potassium are Chelators. Sodium Citrate is formed when Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) is combined with Citric Acid. Similarly, Potassium Citrate is produced when Citric Acid is combined with Potassium Hydroxide. It is Citrate part (formed when mixed Lye) that is the Chelator, not Citric Acid). Chelators are used in soap making to prevent formation of scums and rancidity caused by unwanted substances or additives in the soap making ingredients. A chelator traps metal ions and keep them from reacting with the finished product. (Source)

*NOTE: This is a Cosmetic Grade Ingredient intended to be used for formulation of cosmetic and personal care products only.