Monosodium Citrate

Benefits
Barrier supportAntisepticSoothing

What is Monosodium Citrate?

Monosodium Citrate is the monosodium salt of citric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits. In skincare formulations, it functions primarily as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and mild chelating agent to stabilize products and enhance their stability by binding metal ions. It is water-soluble and commonly used in cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers to maintain optimal pH levels for skin compatibility.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-2

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Buffering agent
Maintains the pH stability of a formulation.
Chelating agent
Binds to metal ions to prevent them from affecting product stability or skin.
PH adjuster
Raises or lowers pH to the target range, supporting ingredient performance, preservative efficacy, stability, and user comfort.