Citric Acid
AKA: 77-92-9, 2-hydroxypropane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid, Anhydrous, Aciletten, Anhydrous citric acid, Citro, Citretten, Citric acid anhydrous, Chemfill
Synthetic
Chelating Agent
Ferment
Chemical Exfoliant
Acid
Clean
A key intermediate in metabolism. It is an acid compound found in citrus fruits. The salts of citric acid (citrates) can be used as anticoagulants due to their calcium-chelating ability. Citric acid is one of the active ingredients in Phexxi, a non-hormonal contraceptive agent that was approved by the FDA on May 2020. It is also used in combination with magnesium oxide to form magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative.
Formula
C6H8O7
Mol. Weight
192.12
CAS #
77-92-9, 5949-29-1
State
Solid
Functions
Buffering
Chelating
Grabs onto metal ions in water that would destabilize the formula. Keeps your product from going bad or changing color.
Provides scent
Maintains optimal pH
Binds metal ions
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR