Citric acid is an organic acid that shows up in skincare for a few practical reasons. It can adjust pH levels in formulas, which matters because skin prefers a slightly acidic environment. It also binds to metals in a product, which keeps them from causing unwanted reactions or discoloration. And it can mask unpleasant smells that other ingredients might have.
You'll find it in toners, exfoliants, and various treatments. It's not there to do heavy lifting on your skin. Think of it more as a behind-the-scenes ingredient that helps the formula work as intended and stay stable on the shelf. It's derived from citrus fruit, though the versions used in skincare are usually made synthetically.
Products with Citric Acid
14 active products. Cards link to a dupe page where one exists.
CeraVe
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 354.9 ml
Paula's Choice
10% Niacinamide Booster
Serum · 19.8 ml · $53.00
Prices checked today
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Sunscreen · 70.9 g
Naturium
Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Serum · 30 ml · $17.00
Prices checked today
The Inkey List
Caffeine Eye Cream
Eye cream · 15 ml · $14.00
Prices checked today
Naturium
BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
Toner · 120 ml · $19.00
Prices checked today
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum, 1 Fl. Oz
Serum · 29.6 ml
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 453.6 g
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Face Wash, Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Gel, 16 Fl. Oz
Cleanser · 473.2 ml
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
Serum · 30 ml · $9.90
Prices checked today
Good Molecules
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml
Serum · 30 ml · $6.00
Prices checked today
The Inkey List
10% Niacinamide Serum
Serum · 30 ml · $13.00
Prices checked today
The Inkey List
Starter Retinol Serum
Serum · 30 ml · $15.00
Prices checked today
Thayers
ROSE PETAL FACIAL TONER
Toner · 340.2 g
This is general information about ingredients and prices, not medical advice. Patch test new products and talk to a dermatologist about skin conditions.
