Citric Acid

Citric Acid

Benefits of adding citric acid to your skincare routine

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CITRIC ACID >

What is Citric Acid?

As its name suggests, citric acid is found naturally in a range of fruit and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. In skincare ingredient terms, citric acid is usually classified as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but because it has some unique properties not shared with AHAs, you'll sometimes also see it classified as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

Regardless, it's a chemical exfoliant, breaking down the bonds between dead cells and helping remove dead skin cells helping to promote skin cell turnover. That makes citric acid effective at targeting rough or dry patches on the skin and reducing visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles

Products with Citric Acid

Blemish and Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum

An oil-free facial serum that improves adult acne-prone skin and targets visible signs of ageing

Old price New price A$145.00

Answers to your frequently asked
citric acid questions.

What are the benefits of citric acid for skin?

Citric acid skin benefits lie primarily in its ability to act as a chemical exfoliant. As such it helps clear dead skin cells, even out skin tone, smooth skin and reduce the visible signs of ageing.
But wait, there's more!
● Citric acid acts as a natural astringent, helping to dry out excess skin oils - particularly beneficial for anyone with oily skin.
● Compared to other alpha hydroxy acids, citric acid is unique because it also has antioxidant benefits. External aggressors such as free radicals cause oxidative stress that takes a toll on skin cells, leading to premature signs of ageing. An antioxidant like citric acid can help combat some of that oxidative stress to reveal brighter-looking skin.
● Those same antioxidant properties mean citric acid can also be used as a preservative in formulations to protect stability.
● And with a natural pH of around 2, citric acid is an excellent pH balancer. Keeping the skin's pH from becoming too alkaline helps maintain normal skin moisture barrier function. Its ability to neutralise the skin makes citric acid an ideal ingredient in toners.

Is citric acid safe for skin?

Used two to three times per week in skincare formulations with limited concentrations, it's safe to incorporate citric acid into your skincare regimen, unless you have especially sensitive skin. SkinCeuticals recommends performing a patch test on an unobtrusive patch of skin to check for any reaction before using it all over your face. You should avoid using citric acid at the same time as any retinoid, as this can lead to irritation and redness.
Always make sure you use a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen whenever you're using citric acid.

Is citric acid good for your face?

Yes, citric acid is considered good for your face. Citric acid offers antioxidant properties that target visible signs of ageing and provide a brighter, more even skin tone. And as a chemical exfoliant, it also helps remove dead skin cells and tone the skin for a smoother texture.

Does citric acid remove dark spots?

Is citric acid good for sensitive skin?

The molecules of citric acid are larger than other commonly used AHAs, like glycolic acid or lactic acid. This makes it harder for the skin to absorb, so it's less potent as an ingredient. On the upside, that can make citric acid easier to tolerate than, say, glycolic acid.
That said, there's always potential for irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. SkinCeuticals does not recommend citric acid for use by anyone with sensitive skin.