Citric Acid
⚠ EU RestrictedIdentification
CAS Number 77-92-9
EINECS / EC 201-069-1
CosIng Ref 32858
Chemical Name 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
IUPAC Name —
Formula C6H8O7
Mol. Weight 192.12 g/mol
SMILES C(C(=O)O)C(CC(=O)O)(C(=O)O)O
InChIKey KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Function & Classification
Primary Function pH Adjuster
Secondary Functions CHELATING; FRAGRANCE
Origin Natural
Category pH Adjusters
Manufacturer Jungbunzlauer AG
EU Regulatory Status
Max Leave-on 6%
Restrictions Max 6% (leave-on, pH ≥ 3.5). Must include sun protection advice when used in leave-on products.
Conditions of Use Max 6% as AHA (leave-on, rinse-off). pH ≥ 3.5. When used as chelating agent or pH adjuster at low concentrations, AHA restrictions may not apply.
Mandatory Warning When used as AHA: Apply sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using and for a week afterwards.
SCCS Opinion View SCCS opinion →
Safety Profile
2 / 10
Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
Will not clog pores — safe for acne-prone skin
Skin Type Compatibility
Acne-Prone ✓ Safe
Fungal Acne Safe ✓ Safe
Toxicology Profile
NOAEL 2000 mg/kg bw/day (oral, rat) CIR Expert Panel 2012. SCCS/1609/19.
Sensitization Non-sensitizer
Genotoxicity Non-genotoxic
Phototoxicity Non-phototoxic
Dermal Absorption 0.5%
LD₅₀ Oral 3000 mg/kg (rat)
LD₅₀ Dermal >2000 mg/kg (rabbit)
Skin Irritation (Draize) 1.2 / 4.0
Eye Irritation (Draize) 2.0 / 4.0 ⚠
Source SCCS Opinion ↗
Formulation Guidelines
Usage Level 0.05% – 6%
pH Stability 2.2 – ?
Solubility in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%), sparingly soluble
Benefits pH adjuster; chelating agent; exfoliant (AHA); antioxidant support
Suppliers & Documents
Jungbunzlauer AG 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Documents