Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. In skincare, it's a multitasking ingredient with roles in exfoliation, pH regulation, and antioxidant protection—especially beneficial for dull, uneven, or acne-prone skin.

What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is used in skincare for its exfoliating and antioxidant properties. It helps to remove dead skin cells, reveal brighter skin, and protect against environmental damage. While considered milder than some other AHAs, it can still cause irritation in sensitive skin, so a patch test is recommended before use.

How is Citric Acid used in skincare?

• Mild Chemical Exfoliant: Citric acid breaks down dead skin cells on the surface, smoothing texture and revealing a fresher, more radiant layer underneath. It's usually used in lower concentrations than other AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) due to its strength and acidity.
• pH Balancer: It helps stabilize the pH of products, making them more compatible with skin and increasing the effectiveness of other active ingredients (like vitamin C or niacinamide).
• Antioxidant Booster: As a citrus-derived antioxidant, citric acid can help neutralize free radicals caused by pollution, UV, and other stressors—reducing premature signs of aging.
• Brightening Agent: Citric acid encourages skin turnover, which can help fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks over time.

What are the benefits of Citric Acid for your complexion and skin microbiome?

In the right concentration, citric acid helps maintain the skin’s acid mantle, which protects against bad bacteria and supports good ones. Here’s why citric acid is beneficial to your skin health:

• Maintains the Skin’s Acid Mantle: Your skin’s surface thrives at a slightly acidic pH (~4.5–5.5). This acidic environment keeps pathogenic (bad) bacteria in check while supporting beneficial microbes. Citric acid, when used in small amounts, helps restore or maintain that ideal pH, especially in formulations that might otherwise be too alkaline (like soaps or cleansers).
• Gentle Exfoliation: Low-dose citric acid helps clear away dead skin cells, excess oil, and buildup, which can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria (like C. acnes in acne-prone skin). This can free up space for good bacteria to thrive, especially when combined with proper moisturizing and barrier care.
• Brightens Skin Tone: By accelerating skin turnover, citric acid helps fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne marks over time. It gives skin that glowy, refreshed look.
• Antioxidant Protection: As a naturally occurring component of citrus fruits, citric acid provides mild antioxidant support. It helps neutralize free radicals caused by pollution, UV, and other stressors that lead to premature aging.
• Improves Product Absorption: By exfoliating and smoothing the skin’s surface, it can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.