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Sodium Citrate
A pH-adjusting and buffering salt derived from citric acid, used to stabilize the acidity of cosmetic formulas.
pH adjusterbufferformulation aid
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5
What is it?
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, commonly used as a buffering agent to keep a formula's pH within a target range for stability and skin compatibility.
Used across cleansers, serums, and acid-based exfoliants to maintain consistent, skin-compatible pH levels.
Key Benefits
pH stabilization
Helps maintain a formula's pH within an effective and skin-compatible range.
Formula consistency
Supports predictable performance of pH-sensitive actives like AHAs.
Suitable for
Main Actions
When it may be insufficient
It is a behind-the-scenes formulation ingredient with no direct skincare benefit of its own.
Found in these products
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sodium Citrate do for skin?
Used across cleansers, serums, and acid-based exfoliants to maintain consistent, skin-compatible pH levels.
Who should use Sodium Citrate?
Sodium Citrate is suitable for: all skin types — a formulation aid, not a direct active.
Are there any warnings about Sodium Citrate?
It is a behind-the-scenes formulation ingredient with no direct skincare benefit of its own.
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