Citric acid - 77-92-9

Key Functions: Cosmetics & Personal Care, Food Contact & Additives, Pesticides & Biocides, Pharmaceuticals, Solvents & Cleaning

Citric acid functions as an antimicrobial agent, anticoagulant, antioxidant, buffering agent, flavor enhancer, flavoring agent or adjuvant, leavening agent, pH control agent, chelant/sequestrant, solvent or vehicle, surface-active agent, and fragrance agent (HSDB 2014, EC 2024, U.S. FDA 2024). It is produced via fermentation of carbohydrates or extracted from citrus juices (HSDB 2014). The United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) recognizes citric acid as a direct food additive under 21 CFR §172.755, §172.861, §173.160, §173.165, and §173.280; as an indirect food additive under 21 CFR §178.1010; and as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR §184.1033 (U.S. FDA 2024). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded citric acid is safe in the present practices of use and concentration (≤ 4% for leave-on products, ≤ 10% for rinse-off products, and ≤ 39% in diluted for bath use products) (CIR 2014).

Chemical Synonyms 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-; 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 2-Hydroxy1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid; 2-Hydroxypropan-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 3-Carboxy-3- hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid; 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate; Propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-; Zitronensaure; Uro-trainer; CITRONENSAEURE; Hydrocerol A; CITRIC-ACID, ANHYDRIDE CRISTO; CITRIC ACID ANHYDROUS; Chemfill; Citretten; Aciletten; Celenex 3P6; Acide citrique; acido citrico (U.S. EPA 2024a). EC 201-069-1, EC 680-681-4 (ECHA 2024).

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