Sodium Citrate

INCI: SODIUM CITRATE
Type: pH regulator, buffering, chelating
Origin: The sodium salt of citric acid, which is naturally found in citrus fruits. Cosmetic-grade sodium citrate is produced by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide, resulting in a pure, consistent ingredient.

What it does:

Sodium Citrate is a multifunctional supporting ingredient that works behind the scenes to ensure formula stability, efficacy, and skin compatibility. Primary functions:

1. pH buffer: Works in tandem with citric acid to form a buffer system that resists pH fluctuations, maintaining the formula within a precise, skin-compatible range (typically pH 4.5-5.5). This ensures both skin comfort and optimal active ingredient performance.
2. Chelating agent: Binds to trace metal ions (like iron, copper, and calcium) present in water or raw materials, preventing them from catalyzing oxidation reactions that could degrade sensitive ingredients, alter color, or destabilize the formula.

Why we use it:

We include Sodium Citrate as part of our precision pH management system. It ensures our products remain at their ideal, skin-friendly pH from the moment they are manufactured to the last drop.

As a substance naturally present in the body, it is exceptionally mild, non-irritating, and well-tolerated by all skin types.

Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid are a classic buffer pair. Together, they create a stable pH environment that resists change – unlike using citric acid alone, which simply sets the initial pH but offers little protection against drift over time.