Bath balls - also called 'bath bombs' - are very popular products, they can be prepared in various shapes and colours, decorated and perfumed according to preference ... Lavender bath bomb Formula:...
Citric acid
€4.44
(VAT included)
€3.73
(without VAT)
_ _
Description
Citric Acid – pH Regulator, Hygiene & Household
Citric Acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in high concentrations in citrus fruits, produced on an industrial scale through controlled plant fermentation processes. In cosmetics, its main role is as a pH regulator (acidifier) and buffering agent. Correct adjustment of acidity is a critical step in formulation, essential for ensuring the dermatological compatibility of products, optimizing the efficacy of preservative systems, and maintaining the rheological stability of emulsions. Additionally, it is a key ingredient for preparing effervescent bath bombs and a descaling agent for household use.
Ingredients (INCI): Citric Acid.
Technical Characteristics
- Appearance: Crystalline granules, odorless.
- Solubility: Completely water-soluble, dissolves quickly in water at room temperature.
- Cosmetic Function: pH regulator, buffering agent, chelating agent, component for effervescence.
- Recommended usage dosage: 0.1% - 1% for standard pH adjustment; up to 30-40% in solid effervescent products (bath bombs).
Main Properties
- Acidity corrector: Lowers the pH of formulas that are too alkaline down to bio-compatible values for skin and scalp.
- Preservative stabilizer: Provides the necessary acidic environment for the proper activation of pH-dependent antimicrobial systems (such as Softdermo or BS).
- Effervescent Synergist: Chemically reacts in an aqueous medium with carbonate bases - sodium bicarbonate, releasing carbon dioxide and creating the effervescent effect.
- Mineral sequestrant: Improves the performance of shampoos in hard water, preventing the deposition of mineral salts on the hair fiber.
Applications
- All types of emulsions (creams, lotions) and aqueous serums, for calibrating the final pH.
- Shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps, where optimal acidity also improves formula viscosity.
- Toning lotions and micellar solutions.
- Bath bombs, powders, and effervescent tablets for body hygiene and relaxation.
Formulation Guide and Laboratory Techniques
Citric Acid is never added as such (direct powder) into finished creams or lotions, as there is a risk of incomplete dissolution and the occurrence of localized hyper-concentrated acidity spots. Follow these instructions:
- Preparation of Stock Solution (Recommended): Prepare in advance a solution with a concentration of 50% Citric Acid dissolved in distilled water. This stock solution is added drop by drop, with continuous stirring, in the final phase of the preparation, until the measurement indicates the desired value.
- Effervescence Management: In solid products (bath bombs), citric acid must be mixed thoroughly with dry ingredients and compacted quickly. Any trace of moisture in the production phase will trigger a premature effervescent reaction.
- Household: As a limescale remover for the washing machine: add 5-7 tablespoons into the drum and run a wash cycle without clothes. As a descaler for coffee machines and kettles: dissolve 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a liter of lukewarm water. As a limescale remover for sanitary ware and other surfaces affected by limescale: dissolve 4-5 tablespoons of citric acid in a liter of lukewarm water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Citric Acid added only at the end of emulsion preparation and not directly at the beginning?
Adding citric acid at the end allows exact control of the pH, because other ingredients can alter the acidity during mixing. Additionally, some emulsification systems need a neutral pH to form the initial stability bonds, with acidification taking place only after the emulsion structure has consolidated upon cooling.
Is it true that Citric Acid can destabilize certain cosmetic gels?
Yes. Certain polymeric viscosity modifiers (such as carbomers) strictly depend on neutralization with a base to develop their three-dimensional gel network. Too sudden a drop in pH below 5.0 by adding citric acid can break these bonds, causing immediate liquefaction of the gel.
Safety in Use and Handling
Safety Profile: Evaluated as safe and non-toxic at current cosmetic concentrations and applications.
Handling precautions: In pure form, it is strongly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Wearing a mask and protective goggles is recommended during initial weighing and dissolution. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes. Keep out of reach of children.
Storage: In tightly closed packaging, in a dry place, away from moisture (tends to solidify in a humid environment), and at room temperature.
Details
Code
D-1420
Categories
Suitable for
bath, cosmetics, household
Hygiene
Bath bombs, Cleansers, Feminine care, Shampoos, Shower gels
Solubility
in water
Storage
sensitive to moisture store in a cool dry place in well closed packaging
Related Recipes and Articles
-
-
Formula: 14097 Phase Ingredients for ~500 ml % Quantity A environmentally friendly detergent base 70 350 gr B ethanol (96° alcohol) 15 75 gr B orange essential oil 2,7 13,5 gr C distilled water 9 45...
-
Formula: 14095 Phase Ingredients for ~500 ml % Quantity A environmentally friendly detergent base 30 150 gr A surfactant solid SCS 12 60 gr A distilled water 43,5 218 gr A citric acid 1 5 gr B...
-
Formula: 14088 Phase Ingredients for ~500 ml % Quantity A environmentally friendly detergent base 3 15 gr A lavender essential oil 0,7 3,5 gr B distilled water 78,2 391 gr B citric acid 0,1 0,5 gr C...
You'll like these too
Reviews
5 stars
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
We are looking for stars! Have you used this product?
Write a Review
Write a valid review and earn loyalty points worth €0.40
A versatile product with multiple uses in both cosmetic formulations as a ph modifier and household use as a descaler for household items.
Jeg bruger mest citronsyren til at lave badebomber, men anvendelsesmuligheder er er næsten uendelige. Og så er det dejlig billigt.
I regularly use citric acid both in the household and in the preparation of hygiene products (soap, bath bombs etc). It is extremely useful!
It is excellent value for money, I use it for bath bombs and home cleaning products, I recommend!
I used this product in the preparation of effervescent bath bombs and I was pleased with the result.
Very good, it is a product that has extremely many uses.beunl I have used it in making detergent.
This product is very effective! I use it in detergent and am very pleased with the results
I missed it,I didn't notice that you have citric acid among your products.I've been wanting it,since last year and didn't know where to get it.I add it in my soap recipes.It's important to find almost everything I need,in one place.
I used the product in combination with a hand cream and got rid of the brown spots, caused after a severe UV burn, on my fingers. For a year I went to dermatologists who told me I would have damaged skin forever. I used the cream mixed with citric acid for about a month and the skin completely recovered after 4 months. I only applied the mixture to the damaged skin!