Citribel's Citric Acid & Citrates for Personal Care

Consumers Want More from Personal Care and How Citric Acid & Citrates Deliver

The personal care industry is changing quickly. People are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their everyday products. From shampoos and body washes to deodorants and face creams, they expect formulas that are safe, effective, and produced with respect for both people and the environment.

To meet these expectations, formulators are turning to well-known, naturally derived ingredients. One of the most widely used is citric acid and its salts, citrates. These ingredients help create stable, gentle and more sustainable personal care products.

Citric Acid: A Natural Multi-Tasker

Citric acid is one of the most common organic acids used in cosmetics and personal care. Produced through surface fermentation, it offers several important functions:

pH regulator – Citric acid balances the acidity of shampoos, cleansers, and creams, helping them stay gentle on skin and hair. The right pH is important for product performance and for keeping the skin’s natural barrier intact.
Preservative support – Citric acid works alongside other preservatives, helping extend the shelf life of creams, lotions, and cleansing products.
Chelating agent – By binding to metal ions, citric acid prevents them from affecting the formula. This keeps products clear, stable, and effective.

Because of this versatility, citric acid in skin care is a practical ingredient that helps formulators develop products that are mild and reliable.

Citrates: Stability and Comfort in Formulations

Citrate salts, such as sodium citrate, also play a valuable role in personal care. They bring balance and consistency to formulas while being safe for the skin:

Buffers – Citrates help keep pH levels stable, so products remain effective over time.
Stabilizers – They improve the texture and look of gels, shampoos, and lotions.
Gentle on skin – Citrates are well tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin formulations, making them a good fit for the growing clean beauty market.

Everyday Applications Personal Care

Citric acid in cosmetics and personal care can be found in many types of products:

Hair care – In shampoos and conditioners, citric acid balances pH and smooths the hair cuticle, which can improve shine.
Skin care – In creams, serums, and cleansers, citric acid helps maintain a skin-friendly pH, supports product stability, and improves the overall feel on the skin.
Deodorants – Citrates support formulation stability and help reduce unwanted odours.
Bath and body – From effervescent bath bombs to body lotions, citric acid improves functionality and enhances the user experience.

This wide range of uses shows why citric acid and citrates in personal care are considered reliable building blocks for many different product categories.

Gentle, Safe and Sustainable Citric Acid & Citrates

Formulators continue to choose citric acid and citrates for clear reasons:

Safe – Citric acid and its salts are widely studied and recognized as safe for cosmetic use.
Mild – Suitable for sensitive skin and scalp, ideal for gentle product ranges.
Versatile – One ingredient can serve multiple roles, reducing the need for extra additives.
Sustainable – Produced through natural fermentation, aligning with the shift toward more eco-friendly ingredients.

Across the industry, many citric acid producers are focusing on sustainability. Investments in green energy and fermentation technologies are helping reduce environmental impact and make production more efficient.

Citribel: A Reliable producer of Citric Acid & Citrates for Personal Care

Citribel has been producing citric acid and citrates for more than a century. What makes us stand out?

Circular production – Our fermentation process reuses up to 90% of resources, making us one of the most sustainable citric acid producers in Europe.
Consistent quality – We supply high-purity citric acid and citrate ingredients that meet the strict requirements of the personal care industry.
Local and steady supply – Our European location and circular approach ensure a dependable and responsible supply chain.
Experience and innovation – While many producers are only now investing in green energy, Citribel has been working with circular production methods for decades.

A common question in the market is: “What differentiates Citribel’s fermentation process from competitors?” The answer lies in our focus on efficiency and sustainability, while keeping quality and reliability at the centre of everything we do.

Looking for a supplier of citric acid & citrates?

As people continue to expect safer and more sustainable personal care products, citric acid and citrates remain valuable ingredients. They bring performance, mildness, and natural origin together in a way that suits modern formulations.

Circular & local production process
High-purity ingredients for regulated industries
Consistent quality in every batch
Reliable supply, even during peak demand

By choosing Citribel, brands and formulators can rely on ingredients that are produced responsibly and supported by more than 100 years of expertise. Whether for skin care, hair care, or body care, Citribel helps create products that consumers can trust.