Citric acid; AHA (peeling)

**Citric Acid** is a naturally occurring **alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)** derived from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. In cosmetics, it’s a **multifunctional powerhouse**—used for **pH adjustment, exfoliation, preservation, and chelation**.

### 🌿 **Key Benefits**:
– **Gentle Exfoliation**: Helps slough off dead skin cells, promoting **brighter, smoother skin**.
– **pH Regulator**: Adjusts the acidity of formulations to match the skin’s natural pH (~5.5), enhancing **product stability and skin compatibility**.
– **Chelating Agent**: Binds metal ions (like calcium or iron) that could destabilize a formula, improving **shelf life and clarity**.
– **Preservative Booster**: Enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives by **lowering pH** and creating a less hospitable environment for microbes.

### 🧴 **Where You’ll Find It**:
– **Cleansers & exfoliating toners**
– **Serums & peels (low concentrations)**
– **Shampoos & bath bombs**
– **Deodorants & foot soaks**

### 🛡️ **Formulation & Safety Notes**:
– Typically used at **0.1–2%** for pH adjustment, and up to **10%** in exfoliating products
– **Water-soluble**, added to the **aqueous phase**
– Can cause **mild irritation** in sensitive skin—especially at higher concentrations
– **Sun sensitivity** may increase after use, so **SPF is recommended** post-application