# CITRIC ACID (citric-acid) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/citric-acid
- **Standard INCI**: `CITRIC ACID`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `시트릭애씨드`
- **CAS No.**: `77-92-9`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `201-069-1`
- **Origin**: `synthetic`
- **Functions**: pH조절제, 킬레이트제, 향료, 완충제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `—` (— g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 시트릭애씨드 |
| KR (Former Names) | — |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | CITRIC ACID |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | CITRIC ACID |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 柠檬酸 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | クエン酸 (QD: クエン酸) |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `none`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `restricted`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `none`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `allowed` (Entry: `4849`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `none`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `none`



## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **cn_iecic_max** (leave_on): ≤ 5% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 04812 (2025)
- **cn_iecic_max** (rinse_off): ≤ 5% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 04812 (2025)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 4 – 8
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 50°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL
- **Incompatibilities**: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads

## 5. Academic Monograph
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
  - INCI Name: CITRIC ACID | CAS No.: 77-92-9 | EC No.: 201-069-1
  - Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: pH, , , 
  - Physicochemical Profile: Formula      | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | /   | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS 
  - Official Regional Label Names: US [CITRIC ACID] · EU [CITRIC ACID] · CN [柠檬酸] · JP [クエン酸] · JP Quasi-Drug [クエン酸]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
  - Citric Acid is the organic acid that conforms to the formula: Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver pH, , ,  performance and structural formulation stability.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
  - Regional Summary: KR: NONE | EU: RESTRICTED | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 4849 (柠檬酸))
  - [EU / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 0.2%): 
  - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, leave_on): Max 5.0% / CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, rinse_off): Max 5.0%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
  - [cleanser_rinse] Typical range: 0.01 ~ 6.0% (Median 0.3%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=10, GRANT 7 · SEPPIC 3)) — Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifier
  - [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.04 ~ 1.5% (Median 0.3%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=11, GRANT 7 · SEPPIC 3 · EVONIK 1)) — Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
  - Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C)
  - Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM
  - Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads
  - Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: CITRIC ACID
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
  - PMID 42177924 (2026, Int J Pharm): Repurposing copper diethyldithiocarbamate (CuET) in a polymeric nanofibrous patch for topical therapy of psoriasis
  - PMID 42134806 (2026, Radiat Res): Efficacy of Widely Available and Easy-to-Prepare Solutions for Skin Decontamination with Manganese-56 Chloride and Oxide
  - PMID 42068825 (2026, J Chromatogr A): Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/LDH nanofibers modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate as a coating for fiber-in-tube solid-p

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 42177924] Repurposing copper diethyldithiocarbamate (CuET) in a polymeric nanofibrous patch for topical therapy of psoriasis — *Int J Pharm* (2026)
- [PMID: 42134806] Efficacy of Widely Available and Easy-to-Prepare Solutions for Skin Decontamination with Manganese-56 Chloride and Oxide as Models for Water-Soluble and Insoluble Radioactive Compounds — *Radiat Res* (2026)
- [PMID: 42068825] Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/LDH nanofibers modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate as a coating for fiber-in-tube solid-phase microextraction of trace fungicides in cosmetic samples — *J Chromatogr A* (2026)
- [PMID: 42031252] Salt-stable ZnO nanoparticles stabilized by citric-acid-crosslinked Canna edulis ker. starch — *Int J Biol Macromol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42013426] Laboratory evaluation of the erosive potential of fluoride-free mouthwashes using a dental erosion simulation model — *Am J Dent* (2026)
- [PMID: 41981086] Carbon dot based topical application for therapy of phosphorus oxide-induced cutaneous burns — *Sci Rep* (2026)
- [PMID: 42240712] Impact of soy- and milk-based yogurts on enamel preservation: erosion and abrasion under simulated conditions — *Clin Oral Investig* (2026)
- [PMID: 42059229] Review on the Potential Anti-aging Effects of Gastrodia elata — *Curr Pharm Des* (2026)
- [PMID: 42020839] Development of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(N-vinyl caprolactam)-based hydrogel-forming microneedle for transdermal delivery of captopril: fabrication, characterization and in vivo antihypertensive activity test — *Drug Deliv Transl Res* (2026)
- [PMID: 41892456] Lemon Juice Activity Against Caprine Alphaherpesvirus-1: An In Vitro Study — *Antibiotics (Basel)* (2026)
- [PMID: 42216777] Targeting of Staphyloxanthin and α-Hemolysin by Natural Compound L-Malic Acid Suppresses Staphylococcus aureus Virulence — *FASEB J* (2026)
- [PMID: 29262062] Riboflavin Deficiency — *PubMed Journal* (2026)