murphyCitric 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
Chemical Exfoliant
Acid
Clean
OriginNative to China. Derived from the citric acid compound family, typically synthesized from glucose or other carbohydrate sources. Produced through fermentation of carbohydrates using Aspergillus niger fungi, followed by precipitation and crystallization.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 590)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 590)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 590)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0000005–4%
Rinse-off0.000002–10%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2014
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR