Citric Acid

CITRIC ACID

Citric Acid is a weak organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables, most notably the citrus varieties. First extracted from a lemon in the 1700s, this natural acidifier finds its way into pantries everywhere, used by millions for cooking, cleaning, skin support and general good health.

The food and healthcare industries love Citric Acid. In food production, its acidic properties help keep processed goods fresh and free from bacteria and mould while balancing pH levels. Cosmetics manufacturers use Citric Acid as an additive to products such as deodorants, hairsprays & shampoos to make them last longer and in skincare products to brighten dull or damaged skin and reduce fine lines.

Due to its popularity, Citric Acid powder is now mass-produced and available off-the-shelf for use in a whole host of homemade remedies, skincare recipes & household formulations.

• As a natural antioxidant, Citric Acid works hard against free radicals, fighting the signs of premature ageing caused by external factors such as toxins & UV sun rays.
• An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Citric Acid rejuvenates damaged skin, removing the upper surface and any scars or lines to reveal a new layer underneath.
• Citric Acid makes for an excellent skin exfoliant, providing a deep cleanse that helps to unclog pores, balance oil production, and smooth the skin.
• Its natural anti-inflammatory & astringent properties also help to reduce redness, fight acne & even out skin tone.
• In haircare, Citric Acid can help to strengthen & reinforce weakened bonds in the hair follicles, preventing breakage and thinning, as well as making your hair soft and shiny.
• From a cleaning perspective, Citric Acids antibacterial and anti-stain properties make it beneficial cleaning for washing and household cleaning.
• Citric acid eliminates mould, mildew & bacteria, making it great for general household disinfecting and cleaning. Plus it’s also shown effective results in removing soap scum, hard water stains & rust.

Citric Acid Key Benefits: 

The most notable benefits of Citric Acid are: 

• Rich in antioxidants for healthy skin and body
• Excellent for skin rejuvenation and repair
• Effective skin exfoliating properties
• Contains anti-inflammatory & astringent properties
• Helps to prevent premature ageing
• Smooths skin texture and reduces fine lines
• Effectively fights damage caused by free-radicals
• Promotes healthy skin barrier function
• Gentle bleaching action reduces and brightens stains
• Eliminates bacteria, mould, soap scum, rust stains & more
• Strengthens hair follicles to protect from breakage
• Can help reduce hair frizz, making it soft & shiny

Citric Acid Uses & Applications:

Popular uses for Citric Acid are:

• Facial serums and lotions
• Skin moisturisers, scrubs and masks
• Acne treatments
• Chemical Peels
• Hair care products
• Bath bombs
• Deodorants
• Household cleaning agent
• Mineral de-scaler

How to use Citric Acid powder

There are multiple Citric Acid powder uses – here are some of our favourite applications to try at home:

• Skin scrub: Use citric acid as an exfoliate to remove dead cells and revitalise the skin. Mix 1tsp of Citric Acid with 3tbsp of greek yoghurt and 1tbsp of oats to form a paste, and gently apply to the skin using circular motions. Leave for 2 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
• Face Milk mask: Reduce facial marks and dead skin with this Citric Acid mask. Combine 1 tbsp of Citric Acid with ¼ cup of low-fat milk and a ¼ cup of water. Gently apply to your face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing away with warm water.
• Hair Treatment: Give life to dull-looking hair using Citric Acid. Mix 1 teaspoon of Citric Acid with 25ml green tea, 200g curd or greek yoghurt and a few drops of olive oil. Massage into pre-washed hair and rinse as normal.
• Cleaning fluid: Say goodbye to expensive chemical-based cleaning products and create your own from Citric Acid. Add 1 teaspoon of Citric Acid to 100ml of vinegar and use your fluid to clean bench tops, bathrooms and glass.
• De-scaling appliances: Remove mineral scale damage using Citric Acid and water. To de-scale a washing machine, add two tablespoons of Citric Acid directly to the drum and run a normal cycle without clothing. Descale a kettle by adding a tablespoon of Citric Acid to the jug, filling half-way with water, and switching it on to boil. Let sit for an hour before tipping out & wiping away any excess scale.

Things to consider when using Citric Acid

• Whilst our grade of Citric Acid is manufactured to food grade standards, AWO specialises in aromatherapy & skincare products and therefore we do not hold food certification. For this reason we advise against ingesting our Citric Acid or using it in food and food preparation purposes.
• Citric Acid can irritate the skin. Always use in safe amounts, particularly when using on your face. Never use undiluted or in large percentages in your formulations.
• People with oily skin are more likely to tolerate Citric Acid than those with dry, sensitive or hyper-sensitive skin. Always do a patch test first to check that Citric Acid agrees with your skin type.
• Citric Acid can have a negative impact on some health conditions. People with issues such as kidney or heart disease are advised to seek advice from their GP before using Citric Acid.
• Store Citric Acid in a tightly sealed container and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.