Citric Acid is one of the best known and most widely used fruit acids. Its counterpart is a “natural” for buffering cosmetic products to the pH of the skin (5.5, 6.0). It provides a major labelling advantage over hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acids. Citric acid is a very mild acid. At concentrations normally used in cosmetic applications it is non-irritating to the skin and practically odourless.The main commercial source is from the fermentation of crude molasses by strains of Aspergillus niger. It is employed in “artificial lemon” bleach creams and lotions, in hair rinses, bath salts, denture powders, tablets, mouthwashes, nail bleaches and some astringent lotions. A 7% aq. Solution of citric acid approximates to lemon juice but does not possess the vitamin C activity.

(CAS: 77-92-9/EINECS: 201-069-1)

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