Citric Acid Good pH-adjuster-stabiliser No known benefits Citric Acid at a glance Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of products Derived from citrus fruits Keeps formulas from being too alkaline In certain concentrations, can exfoliate skin Citric Acid description Citric acid is an extract derived from citrus fruits and is used primarily in small amounts to adjust the pH of products to prevent them from being too alkaline or basic. Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and as such, in the right formula and concentration, it can exfoliate skin. However, research on this ability so far has looked at much higher concentrations (20%, for example) than are typically used in skincare products - not to mention there’s proportionately more research on AHAs glycolic and lactic acids. Moreover, the AHAs lactic and glycolic acid have been shown to be more effective and less likely to promote a stinging reaction on skin. Related ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acid