Citric Acid

Organic acid used mainly to adjust pH; higher levels can exfoliate.

What it does

At trace formula levels it is a buffer, not a peel. Higher % overlaps AHA territory with glycolic acidGlycolic acidModerateGlycolic Acid · Alpha-hydroxy acidSmallest AHA, deepest penetration; solid photoageing data at 8–10 % with pH doing much of the work.Open in the Index →.

The evidence

Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Food acid with CIR cosmetic assessment; exfoliation is concentration-dependent. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.