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Skincare Ingredient

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Diammonium Citrate

In Skincare: Is Diammonium Citrate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Generally considered low-risk in cosmetics; functions as pH adjuster/buffer. Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin/eyes at higher concentrations.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Citric acid is a naturally occurring weak acid found in citrus fruits like lemons. It’s a common ingredient in food and beverages for flavoring and preservation. Citric acid salts, including diammonium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, aluminum citrate, tributyl citrate, and triethyl citrate, are frequently used in cosmetics due to their versatile properties. These salts are created by combining citric acid with alcohols (like butyl or ethyl alcohol) to form organic esters.
Classifications
pH Adjuster/Stabilizer

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Diammonium citrate is a salt of citric acid formed by combining citric acid with ammonia. Citric acid salts, including sodium citrate, potassium citrate, aluminum citrate, and tributyl/triethyl citrate, are commonly incorporated into cosmetic formulations for their diverse functionalities – pH adjustment, preservation (chelation), and skin conditioning properties. Tributyl and triethyl citrate are produced by reacting citric acid with butyl or ethyl alcohol, resulting in organic esters. Other citric acid esters used in cosmetics include Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate, Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate, tricaprylyl citrate, triethylhexyl citrate, triisocetyl citrate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, isodecyl citrate, stearyl citrate, dilauryl citrate and ethyl citrate.

Common Uses

Formulation in Diammonium Citrate

Citric acid and its salts are used in a wide range of cosmetic products, including baby products, makeup, hair dyes, bath products, soaps, and skin care formulations. They function as preservatives by chelating metals – binding to metal ions that could otherwise degrade product quality. Citric acid salts also help adjust the pH of cosmetic products, acting as buffering agents and astringents. Furthermore, they can be used as hair fixatives, oral care agents, plasticizers, skin-conditioning agents (providing emollient and occlusive benefits), and solvents. The 2016 FDA VCRP indicated that citric acid and its derivatives were utilized in nearly every cosmetic category.

Role of Diammonium Citrate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

BUFFERING

pH Stabilizer

Maintains stable pH levels in products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Buffering systems resist pH changes through weak acid-conjugate base pairs (citric acid/sodium citrate, lactic acid/sodium lactate, phosphate salts) that operate within specific pH ranges based on their pKa values. The mechanism follows the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, with buffer components neutralizing added H⁺ or OH⁻ ions. Proper buffering prevents pH drift and maintains efficacy.

CHELATING

Metal Ion Binder

Binds metal ions to improve product stability

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Chelating agents form stable, water-soluble complexes with polyvalent metal ions (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) through coordinate covalent bonds. Common chelators include EDTA, citric acid, phytic acid, and gluconates. The mechanism involves multidentate ligands wrapping around metal ions, preventing them from catalyzing oxidation reactions, causing discoloration, or reducing preservative efficacy.

Products

containing Diammonium Citrate

3 formulations
Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser
Eucerin
Advanced Cleansing Body And Face Cleanser Australia Online Beauty Skin Care Store
Advanced Cleansing Body And Face Cleanser Australia Online Beauty Skin Care Store
Eucerin
Complete Repair Cleanser
Complete Repair Cleanser
Eucerin · cleanser
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diammonium Citrate — common questions

What is Diammonium Citrate in skincare?

Citric acid is a naturally occurring weak acid found in citrus fruits like lemons. It’s a common ingredient in food and beverages for flavoring and preservation. Citric acid salts, including diammonium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, aluminum citrate, tributyl citrate, and triethyl citrate, are frequently used in cosmetics due to their versatile properties. These salts are created by combining citric acid with alcohols (like butyl or ethyl alcohol) to form organic esters.

What does Diammonium Citrate do? / Functions of Diammonium Citrate?

Common functions: BUFFERING, CHELATING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Diammonium Citrate? / Is Diammonium Citrate comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Diammonium Citrate has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Diammonium Citrate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Diammonium Citrate safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Diammonium Citrate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered low-risk in cosmetics; functions as pH adjuster/buffer. Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin/eyes at higher concentrations.

Is Diammonium Citrate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Diammonium Citrate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Diammonium Citrate in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered low-risk in cosmetics; functions as pH adjuster/buffer. Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin/eyes at higher concentrations.

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