Sodium Citrate
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Citric Acid
Is a salt of citric acid, which can be derived from citrus | Is primarily used to control the pH level of a product
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Sodium Citrate?
Sodium citrate in skin care is used primarily to control the pH level of a product (such as in cleansers and exfoliants). It is a salt of citric acid, which, as the name implies, can be derived from citrus fruits. Because of its connection to citric acid, it also has antioxidant and mild, but limited, preservative properties.
Sodium citrate has several other useful applications, including its use as a chelating agent, which keeps metals in water from binding to other ingredients and impacting their efficacy.
The Cosmetics Ingredient Review panel has deemed sodium citrate safe as used in skin care products. It is supplied in crystal or powder form, and used at concentrations no higher than 12%.
It’s also a food additive used to keep food fresher longer and prevent melted cheese from becoming greasy. In the medical field it is used to keep donated blood from clotting in storage.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed November 2021, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-citrate/]
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Pubchem, Accessed November 2021, ePublication [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Trisodium-citrate]
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International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 16S-46S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581814526891]
Frequently Asked Questions
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A chelating agent derived from natural sources with emerging research into pigmentation control
Potassium Citrate
A pH buffer and chelating agent that stabilises skincare formulations
Sodium Gluceptate
A chelating agent that helps stabilise formulations and reduce the impact of mineral impurities
Sodium Gluconate
The synthetic salt form of gluconic acid | Helps improve the stability of skin care formulas
Sodium Hydroxide
Highly alkaline ingredient | Used in small amounts in cosmetics (such as in exfoliants and cleansers) to adjust pH
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