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Skincare Ingredient

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Sodium Citrate

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

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

Safety Information

Considered safe as a pH adjuster/chelating agent (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical cosmetic use levels; no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Sodium citrate, a salt of citric acid often sourced from citrus fruits, is commonly used in cosmetics.

  • 02

    In skincare formulations, sodium citrate functions primarily to adjust and maintain the product's pH level.

  • 03

    Sodium citrate exhibits antioxidant activity and can contribute to a product’s preservative properties.

  • 04

    Beyond cosmetic applications, sodium citrate is utilized in both the food and medical industries.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Sodium citrate, a salt derived from citric acid, is commonly used in skincare to help maintain the desired pH of formulations like cleansers and exfoliants. It also exhibits mild antioxidant properties and can act as a chelating agent, preventing metal ions from interfering with other ingredients. Approved for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review panel, sodium citrate is typically found at concentrations up to 12% and considered safe for topical application.
Classifications
pH Adjuster/Stabilizer
Chelating Agent
Antioxidant
Preservative

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Sodium citrate is produced by reacting citric acid with a sodium base. Other salts of citric acid, including potassium citrate, aluminum citrate, diammonium citrate, ferric citrate, magnesium citrate, monosodium citrate, and zinc citrate, are also used in cosmetic formulations. Tributyl citrate and triethyl citrate are created by combining citric acid with butyl or ethyl alcohol, resulting in organic esters. A variety of other citric acid esters – including 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 – may also be found in cosmetic applications.

Common Uses

Formulation in Sodium Citrate

Sodium citrate and other citric acid salts are utilized in a wide range of cosmetic products, including baby care items, makeup, lipsticks, bath products, soaps, hair dyes, and skin/hair care formulations. They serve multiple functions within these products: preserving cosmetics by chelating metals, adjusting the pH balance (acting as a buffering agent), providing astringent properties, acting as a biocide, fixing hair styles, aiding in oral care products, functioning as a plasticizer, and offering skin conditioning benefits such as emolliency, occlusion, and solvent properties. The 2016 FDA VCRP indicated that citric acid and its salts were used extensively across numerous cosmetic categories.

Role of Sodium 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.

FRAGRANCE

Scent Provider

Adds pleasant scent to cosmetic products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.

Products

containing Sodium Citrate

7329 formulations
Acne Clearing Wash
Acne Clearing Wash
Peter Thomas Roth · cleanser
Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner with Rose Water
Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner with Rose Water
Lancôme · toning-essences
Revitalizing Treatment Softener
Revitalizing Treatment Softener
Shiseido · toning-essences
Vitamin C Brightening SPF15 Moisturiser
Vitamin C Brightening SPF15 Moisturiser
Essano · moisturizer
Bleu De Chanel After Shave Lotion
Bleu De Chanel After Shave Lotion
Chanel · body-skincare
Peptight™ Tightening Neck Serum Roller
Peptight™ Tightening Neck Serum Roller
StriVectin · serums-treatment
RUBORIL Expert SPF50+
RUBORIL Expert SPF50+
Isispharma · sunscreen
Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask
Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask
Peter Thomas Roth · masks
Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow Foundation - B40 Sand
Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow Foundation - B40 Sand
Yves Saint Laurent · makeup
Enlightening & Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
Enlightening & Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
Symbiosis London · cleanser
See all products with Sodium Citrate

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed November 2021, ePublication

[2]

Pubchem, Accessed November 2021, ePublication

[3]

International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 16S-46S

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium Citrate — common questions

What is Sodium Citrate in skincare?

Sodium citrate is a salt created by combining citric acid with an alkali metal, such as sodium. Citric acid itself is a naturally occurring weak acid found in citrus fruits like lemons. Sodium citrate, along with other salts of citric acid (including potassium, aluminum, diammonium, ferric, magnesium, monosodium, and zinc citrate), is frequently used in cosmetics and personal care products. Tributyl citrate and triethyl citrate are also derived from citric acid through the reaction with butyl or

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

Common functions: BUFFERING, CHELATING, FRAGRANCE.

What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Citrate? / Is Sodium Citrate comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Sodium Citrate has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Sodium Citrate is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

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

Sodium 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: Considered safe as a pH adjuster/chelating agent (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical cosmetic use levels; no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns.

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

Sodium 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 Sodium Citrate in skincare?

Known considerations: Considered safe as a pH adjuster/chelating agent (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical cosmetic use levels; no known carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption concerns.

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