CITRIC ACID

CITRIC ACID : pH balance and product preservation

EXCIPIENT ⎪ ACIDIFIER  

What is Citric Acid ?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally present in many fruits, particularly citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. In cosmetics, it is used for its exfoliating, pH-regulating and antioxidant properties. Thanks to its ability to gently remove dead skin 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 valued for its effectiveness

Naturally present in lemons, citric acid is used in MY Essentiels sérénité as an acidifier to improve taste and preservation.

Where does Citric Acid come from ?

Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits and oranges. 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, guaranteeing its purity and stability for safe use on the skin. This sustainable process also meets 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 many beneficial properties for skin and hair. Here are its main characteristics and actions:

• Gentle exfoliating effect: As an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), it eliminates dead surface cells, leaving skin softer and brighter without being abrasive.
• pH regulator: Helps stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations, making products more respectful of the skin barrier and safer for the skin.
• Antioxidant properties: By neutralizing free radicals, citric acid protects the skin against environmental aggressors, helping to prevent premature aging.
• Improves skin texture: It refines skin texture and smoothes out irregularities, promoting a more even complexion and a smoother skin surface.
• Hydration and radiance: Citric acid helps skin retain moisture, contributing to a radiant complexion and more supple skin.

What are the benefits of citric acid ?

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

• Exfoliation and cell renewal: Citric acid gently removes dead skin cells, promoting faster cell renewal and revealing more radiant skin.
• Uniform complexion: Helps fade pigmentation spots and irregularities, contributing to a more even, luminous complexion.
• Enhanced hydration: By promoting better water retention, it improves skin hydration, making it softer and more supple.
• Prevention of signs of aging: Its antioxidant properties protect skin from free radicals, helping to prevent wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
• Hair care: In hair care products, it helps eliminate residues, improves shine and rebalances hair pH, restoring softness and shine.

How is Citric Acid used ?

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

• Toners and exfoliating lotions: Used in toners, it gently exfoliates and refines skin texture, perfect for dull, blemish-prone skin.
• Anti-aging serums and creams: In anti-aging skin care products, citric acid helps stimulate cell renewal and smooth fine lines, leaving skin smoother and more radiant.
• Masks and gentle exfoliants: In masks or scrubs, it helps deep-cleanse pores, removing impurities and leaving skin revitalized.
• Hair care: In shampoos and conditioners, it enhances shine and balances hair pH, ideal for restoring shine and lightness to dull hair.
• Face and body cleansers: Incorporated into cleansers, it helps cleanse and purify without irritating, perfect for gentle daily exfoliation.

Note: Citric acid is well tolerated when used in low concentrations. For sensitive skin, we recommend using it in moderation and performing 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 can occur, especially if the product is incorrectly dosed or used excessively:

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

Sources

The benefits of citric acid are well documented in cosmetics and dermatology research. This ingredient is recognized for its exfoliating, antioxidant and pH-regulating properties, helping to improve skin radiance and health. 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 tolerance profile for normal to combination skin when used correctly.