Citric Acid
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of products | Originally derived from citrus fruits
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a type of organic acid originally isolated from lemons (hence its name, as it was originally extracted from lemons and other citrus fruit). Most citric acid now is derived from the fermentation of sugars, in many cases molasses. In cosmetics it is used primarily in small amounts to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from being too alkaline, or basic.
Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and as such, in the right formula and concentration, it can exfoliate skin. However, research on this ability so far has looked at much higher concentrations (20%, for example) than are typically used in skin care products - not to mention there’s proportionately more research on AHAs glycolic and lactic acids. Moreover, the AHAs lactic and glycolic acid have been shown to be more effective and less likely to promote a stinging reaction on skin.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Molecules, April 2018, Volume 23, Issue 4, page 863 [https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/23/4/863]
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BMC Chemistry, March 2017, pages 1-9 [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13065-017-0251-y]
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The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2006.00003.x]
Frequently Asked Questions
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Articles About Citric Acid
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