Citric acid does not receive nearly the recognition it merits. In fact, you may already be using a lot of skincare products that include this adaptable acid, which is great for exfoliating your skin and giving it a more even, brighter appearance.
The experts have answered all of your questions about citric acid below, including its origins, uses, advantages, and potential negative effects on the skin. Continue reading to learn more.
Citric Acid: What Is It?
Citrus fruits, including limes, grapefruits, oranges, and lemons, naturally contain citric acid. Esthetician and Education Development Manager at Face Reality Skincare Alex Hernandez claims that citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is mainly utilized in skincare products to add antioxidant effects, modify the product’s acidity, or encourage skin renewal.
Benefits of Citric Acid for Skin
Founder of FACET Dermatology and board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, says, “You’ll often find citric acid in skincare formulations, but not necessarily as an active—it’s often used to stabilize or adjust the pH of a product.” But in larger quantities, it’s applied as an exfoliator.
Being an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), citric acid aids in the dissolution of the bonds holding dead cells to the skin’s surface, allowing for the appearance of healthier and more radiant skin. Dr. Yadav claims that this supports the natural cellular turnover processes of our skin, which slow down with age and give rise to the appearance of more mature skin features including wrinkles, fine lines, rough texture, and hyperpigmentation.
Since citric acid is a naturally occurring acid, it is mild but yet effective at exfoliating the skin, promoting moisture, and enhancing the appearance of younger, brighter skin. Citric acid is a useful tool for anyone looking to brighten up their dull skin or even out their complexion, according to Mount Sinai School of Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
How Citric Acid Is Applied to Skin
The ideal way to use citric acid as an AHA is in a chemical peel recipe. Dr. Yadav says, “I’d advise using it at night because AHAs can make your skin sensitive to sun exposure.” Remember that citric acid has been shown to be more prone to skin sensitization than other AHAs; to lower the chance of discomfort, search for products that incorporate it into other ingredients.
Although it is present in many skincare products, citric acid is probably not going to be the primary or essential ingredient. Hernandez says, “It’s crucial to make sure you’re using a balanced routine, which includes lots of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, too.” “You must maintain the integrity of the skin’s protective barrier when using AHAs like citric acid to prevent any negative reactions (resulting from dryness and dehydration).” Keep an eye out for components such as allantoin, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid.
It is best to conduct a patch test, as with any new product, to make sure the citric acid won’t have an adverse reaction on your skin. When utilizing citric acid, Dr. Graf suggests using sunscreen because it can make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage.
Side Effects of Citric Acid
Despite being regarded as mild, citric acid is nonetheless an acid. It could therefore result in or exacerbate skin irritation. Dr. Graf claims that the product’s pH and the concentration utilized are further variables. Dr. Graf cautions that “it should never be applied to skin which is broken or irritated.” “You should consult with your dermatologist before using if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or dermatitis.”
Things You Can Use Citric Acid For
Dr. Graf claims that the combination of citric acid and other active acids is effective. For instance, she notes that citric acid is frequently combined with acids such as salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids in serums and toners. In order to counteract the drying effects, citric acid is occasionally mixed with moisturizing substances like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Citric acid and retinol should not be combined, according to Dr. Graf, as this might cause severe skin irritation.
Although he agrees, Dr. Yadav is not a big fan of the concept of utilizing a product with a lot of citric acid. “I would advise against using other formulas with high levels of AHAs, BHAs, or retinol if you’re using citric acid as the star ingredient,” the spokesperson says. “I prefer citric acid blended into formulas with other AHAs at lower concentrations, like the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel.” Before applying any chemical exfoliant, you should nourish and hydrate your skin. To increase hydration, look for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and then seal the moisture in with emollients like squalane and ceramides.
How Often Should Citric Acid Be Used?
It is recommended by both dermatologists to use a chemical exfoliator no more than twice a week in order to prevent your skin from becoming too sensitive. Dr. Yadav states, “Twice a week is plenty to reap the benefits of a chemical peel.” “You can progressively increase your use to multiple times a week if you are using a solution that is meant to be used more regularly and your skin can withstand it.” Consulting a dermatologist is also a smart idea to be sure citric acid will truly suit the needs of your skin.
Citric Acid-Based Products for the Best Skin Care
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel Pads, Alpha Beta® Skincare
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, and many other AHAs, such as lactic, glycolic, and malic acids, are combined with citric acid in this chemical peel to help resurface the skin, even out its tone and texture and unclog pores. “Its inclusion of calming components like soy, green tea, and chamomile helps offset any potentially irritating effects of the peel,” says Dr. Yadav.
2. Paula’s Choice 10% Booster of Niacinamide
This fruit aids in controlling the skin’s moisture barrier since it contains citric acid. Because it also acts to brighten and minimize small wrinkles, giving skin a hydrated, young appearance, Dr. Graf suggests this to her patients.
3. IMAGE Skincare Hydrating Enzyme Masque with Vitamin C
The VITAL C Hydrating Enzyme Masque from IMAGE Skincare is an excellent addition to your relaxing skincare routine that contains citric acid. According to Dr. Graf, “This face mask does the heavy lifting for you, evening out dark spots and breaking down dead skin cells.” “The antioxidants and citric acid give the skin a healthy-looking glow and make it bounce back.”
4. Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub for Skincare
Hernandez suggests Face Reality’s Antioxidant Scrub to her clientele. Citric acid, witch hazel, green tea, and panthenol are among the components that have been discovered to be helpful for acne-prone skin in this daily, sulfate-free gel cleanser.
5. Age Defense + Blemish Care by SkinCeuticals
Perhaps you are already familiar with C E Ferulic, the top-selling product from SkinCeuticals, but have you ever used the Blemish + Age Defense formula? This product targets fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation in addition to treating acne. It contains glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid.
6. Even Tone Correcting Serum by Skinbetter Science
Citric acid is one of the numerous acids included in this potent serum, along with linoleic acid, gallic acid, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid. Additionally, it is quite effective for people with sun damage, hyperpigmentation, brown spots, and skin discolouration. There are a lot of acids in this, therefore you should certainly use sunscreen after using it.
You should anticipate glowing, brighter skin after using this Murad product on a regular basis. In addition to rice amino acids, coneflower extract, and vitamins C and E, it also contains citric acid. Although this product has a number of exfoliating chemicals, we also appreciate that it has a lot of moisturizing substances to reduce irritation, such as witch hazel, castor oil, and sodium PCA.
