Citric Acid

The details

Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Effects

Found in (20 products)

COSRX

Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water

Makeup Removers

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+7

CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With SPF 50

Day Moisturizers

Oil-freeAlcohol-freeParaben-free+3

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Setting Sprays & Powders

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+5

rhode

Barrier Butter

Night Moisturizers

Oil-freeReef safeParaben-free+3

Versed

Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Day Moisturizers

Reef safeAlcohol-freeParaben-free+5

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Night Cream

Night Moisturizers

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+4

Maybelline

Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer

Concealers

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+5

NARS Cosmetics

Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Foundations

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+5

IT Cosmetics

CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

BB, CC & Tinted Moisturizers

Alcohol-freeParaben-freeSulfate-free

Ilia

Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara

Eye Makeup

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+6

CeraVe

Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Day Moisturizers

Oil-freeParaben-freeSulfate-free+3

Purcell

24/7 Colostrum Pore Defense Ampoule

Setting Sprays & Powders

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+5

Estée Lauder

Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme

Day Moisturizers

Oil-freeReef safeAlcohol-free+4

L'Oreal

Lumi Glotion

Highlighters

Oil-freeReef safeParaben-free+4

Physician's Formula

Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Bronzers

Oil-freeAlcohol-freeParaben-free+4

Milk Makeup

Hydro Grip Primer

Makeup Primers

Oil-freeReef safeParaben-free+3

L'Oreal

True Match Lumi Glotion

Highlighters

Oil-freeReef safeParaben-free+4

Medik8

Advanced Night Restore

Night Moisturizers

Reef safeParaben-freeSulfate-free

COSRX

Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Lip Plumper

Lip Makeup

Reef safeAlcohol-freeParaben-free+4

Drunk Elephant

B-Goldi Bright Drops

Highlighters

Reef safeAlcohol-freeParaben-free+5