Citric acid may sound like something you’d find in a lemon cake recipe, but it’s also an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that repairs the skin. Citric acid can deliver impressive results for your skin, which is probably why it’s added to all sorts of recipes! But what exactly is this pungent-sounding compound that our skin loves so much? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of citric acid.
What is citric acid?
Citric acid is an organic acid that, yes, you guessed it, is found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It’s also worth noting that they’re also found in some berries.
Citric acid was first crystallized from lemon juice in 1893 by chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and was first used in the food industry. Not only is citric acid used as a flavoring agent for food and beverages, it’s also a very common ingredient in cosmetics. One million tons are produced every year and used in more than 10,000 different cosmetic products.
Although citric acid falls into the AHA category, it has many skin-benefitting properties, which is why this particular facial acid is so widely valued. You’ll often find that many of your products contain some amount of citric acid, such as: B. Cleansers, masks, serums, and moisturizers.
Is citric acid good for your skin?
Yes, absolutely. Citric acid is part of the larger alpha hydroxy acid family and can provide many benefits to your skin. Citric acid acts as a chemical exfoliant in the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and evens out skin tone. Citric acid is also used as an effective pH adjuster in skin care formulas.
Important Benefits of Citric Acid for Skin:
Exfoliates and effectively removes dead skin cells.
As a chemical peel, it unclogs pores.
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helps even out skin tone, which is why most toners contain citric acid.
Fights hyperpigmentation and dark spots, helping to brighten, soften, and smooth skin.
Fights minor breakouts like blemishes and blackheads.
Citric acid is rich in antioxidants.
Rich in antioxidants, citric acid protects your skin barrier from daily aggressors that you unknowingly encounter as soon as you step out of the door. Pollution, environmental impacts, and toxins can damage the skin and lead to breakouts and premature aging. By fighting the skin with citric acid, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and the first signs of aging are reduced.
Citric Acid Adjusts the pH of Your Skin
Citric acid is slightly different from other AHAs available in that it can adjust the pH of your skincare products so that they don't become too alkaline. This is important for all cosmetics because the natural pH of the skin is generally acidic. Therefore, using too much alkalinity can strip the skin of its important natural oils. However, using products that are too acidic can cause stinging and irritation. Fortunately, balancing the pH of citric acid is a simple task, and you'll find that it's usually available in powder form, making it easier to incorporate into formulas.
Citric Acid Exfoliates Your Skin
Some studies have shown that citric acid can exfoliate the skin and restore radiance to previously dull complexions. One thing to keep in mind is that the acid concentration in these studies was as high as 20%, which is actually professional strength and not recommended for home use. If you choose a lower concentration, you will get safer results without any reactions.
If you use standard household products, you will find that citric acid can shrink and open pores, remove dead skin cells and dirt, and give you a glowing skin.
Citric Acid Repairs Sun Damaged Skin and Evens Out Skin Tone
Citric acid has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of skin pigmentation and dark spots. When applied topically, citric acid works on the outer layer of the skin to repair the skin's barrier function, so it prevents UV rays from penetrating areas that have suffered photodamage, which can darken pigmentation.
It's important to remember that while citric acid can help treat UV damage, it can also make the skin more sensitive to light, so daily use of sunscreen is essential.
Is citric acid safe for the skin?
It's completely safe, but be careful. Citric acid is often found in DIY masks, scrubs, and even self-tanning treatment recipes. I don't want to stop you from trying some home recipes, but you need to remember how powerful citric acid is. Measuring the wrong amount can cause skin reactions such as itching, burning, and redness.
If you want to see how citric acid can improve the appearance of your skin, you should try skin care products that contain the right concentration of citric acid and won't cause irritation or other issues.
How do you incorporate citric acid into your daily routine?
While citric acid is one of the milder acids, it still needs to be introduced to the skin gradually to avoid a skin reaction. Over-the-counter products that contain citric acid are generally better for home use because the concentrates are lower. After a patch test, use the product once a week to allow your skin to acclimate, then apply 2-3 times a week, morning and evening, if your skin allows. Don't forget to apply a high SPF sunscreen after using citric acid in the morning.
DIY citric acid mask recipes have become very popular on social media platforms, and while it's tempting to recreate them at home, it's best to stick to formulated products and professional chemical peels.
Is citric acid suitable for all skin types?
Almost all skin types benefit from using citric acid. However, be careful when doing this.
If you have an oily skin type and large pores, citric acid may be your solution. The acid can penetrate the skin and remove excess oil and bacteria from the pores that can cause blackheads and pimples. This can also be a great help for people whose skin is prone to blemishes.
If you have sensitive and dry skin, you shouldn't take citric acid lightly. This AHA can give your face a wonderful glow, but if you make the mistake of using too much or too often, it can cause stinging, burning, and irritation to your skin. If your skin is allergic, you should forgo citric acid and perhaps try another fruit acid.
Is citric acid safe for the skin? What are the side effects of citric acid?
As with all acids, there are some side effects to watch out for when using citric acid.
The skin is becoming increasingly sensitive to UV rays. To prevent permanent sun damage, it's important to wear sunscreen every day.
If you have sensitive skin, you may experience stinging, burning, and irritation.
Before introducing citric acid into your daily routine, it's best to do a patch test. Apply a pea-sized amount to your forearm and leave it on for 24 hours. Watch closely for signs of reaction and irritation. As with all skin care products, it's up to you to decide whether to use citric acid. However, if you're still concerned, talk to your primary care physician or dermatologist.
That's our guide to citric acid. This natural acid is beneficial to your skin in a variety of ways. No wonder it's so commonly used as an ingredient in many skin care products.
You see, even in its most natural form, citric acid works wonders. Here’s a top tip: If you’re having issues with tanning, rub half a lemon on the area you want to dissolve it, then rinse it off in the shower. It’s that simple, and another example of how great AHAs are. So, the next time life gives you lemons… at least now you know there are a lot of things you can do with them other than make lemonade out of them!
Want to learn more about products you can use with citric acid? Check out our guide to hyaluronic acid.
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