CITRIC ACID

CITRIC ACID: pH balance and product preservation

EXCIPIENT ⎪ ACIDIFIER 

What is citric acid?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits like lemon and orange. In cosmetics, it is used for its exfoliating, pH regulating, and antioxidant properties. Thanks to its ability to gently eliminate dead cells, citric acid helps reveal smoother, more radiant skin. As a pH regulating agent, it also helps maintain the stability of cosmetic formulations, making products more suitable for the skin. Citric acid is appreciated for its effectiveness

Present naturally in lemon, citric acid is used in MY Serenity Essentials as an acidifier to improve taste and preservation.

Where does citric acid come from?

Citric acid is found in nature, notably in citrus fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and orange. It can be extracted from these fruits or synthesized through a fermentation process using yeast strains. In cosmetics, quality citric acid is generally produced from this fermentation, which guarantees its purity and stability for safe use on the skin. This sustainable process also makes it possible to meet the needs of mass production while preserving natural resources. Today, citric acid is commonly used in a variety of cosmetic products for its regulating, exfoliating and stabilizing effects.

Properties and active ingredients

Citric acid has several beneficial properties for skin and hair. Here are its main characteristics and actions:

1. Gentle exfoliating effect : As an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it removes dead surface cells, leaving skin softer and luminous without being abrasive.
2. pH regulator : It helps stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations, making products more respectful of the skin barrier and safer for the skin.
3. Antioxidant properties : By neutralizing free radicals, citric acid protects the skin against environmental aggressions, which helps prevent premature aging.
4. Improved skin texture : It refines skin texture and blurs irregularities, promoting a more uniform complexion and a smoother skin surface.
5. Hydration and glow : Citric acid helps skin retain moisture, which contributes to a glowing complexion and more supple skin.

What are the benefits of citric acid?

Citric acid offers many benefits for the skin, thanks to its exfoliating, antioxidant and pH regulating properties. Here are the main benefits of this natural and versatile ingredient:

1. Exfoliation and cell renewal : Citric acid gently removes dead cells, promoting faster cell turnover and revealing more radiant skin.
2. Evening out the complexion : It helps to fade pigmentation spots and irregularities, contributing to a more even and luminous complexion.
3. Reinforced hydration : By promoting better water retention, it improves the hydration of the skin, making it softer and supple.
4. Prevention of signs of aging : Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radicals, helping to prevent wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
5. Hair care : In hair care, it helps eliminate residue, improves shine, and rebalances the pH of the hair, restoring softness and shine.

How to consume citric acid?

Citric acid is primarily used topically in skin and hair care products. Here are the main ways to benefit from this ingredient:

• Exfoliating toners and lotions : Used in toners, it gently exfoliates and refines skin texture, perfect for dull and blemish-prone skin.
• Anti-aging serums and creams : In anti-aging skincare, citric acid helps stimulate cell renewal and fade fine lines, leaving skin smoother and radiant.
• Gentle masks and exfoliants : As a mask or scrub, it helps to clean pores in depth, eliminating impurities and leaving the skin revitalized.
• Hair care : In shampoos and conditioners, it improves shine and balances the pH of the hair, ideal for restoring shine and lightness to dull hair.
• Face and body cleansers : Integrated into cleansers, it helps to cleanse and purify without irritating, perfect for gentle daily exfoliation.

Note : Citric acid is well tolerated when used in low concentrations. For sensitive skin, it is recommended to use it in moderation and do a skin test. It is also important to protect the skin with sunscreen after use, as AHAs can sensitize the skin to the sun.

Any side effects?

Citric acid is generally well tolerated, but certain side effects may occur, especially if the product is incorrectly dosed or used excessively:

1. Increased sensitivity to sunlight : Due to its exfoliating properties, citric acid can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. It is recommended to apply sun protection after use.
2. Irritation and redness : Some sensitive skin may react with redness or irritation. A skin test is recommended before a first application, especially on sensitive skin.
3. Temporary drought : If used excessively, citric acid can cause a feeling of dryness. It is recommended to use it in combination with moisturizing ingredients.
4. Incompatibility with certain products : Citric acid can react with other active ingredients, such as retinol or peroxides. It is recommended to consult the instructions for use to avoid interactions.
5. Tingling : When applied to irritated or sensitized skin, it may cause slight tingling. In this case, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Sources

The benefits of citric acid are well documented in cosmetic and dermatology research. This ingredient is known for its exfoliating, antioxidant and pH regulating properties, helping to improve the radiance and health of the skin. Studies show its effectiveness in evening out skin tone, promoting cell renewal and protecting against premature aging. Citric acid is approved for cosmetic use, with a high tolerability profile for normal to combination skin when used correctly.