Citric Acid

Citric acid

Also searched as2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid

Role: Brings the formula to the required pH.
Catalog formulas: 20
Type: Stability
Verified: 06.11.2026

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

According to CosIng, it has two functions: buffering (controls the pH) and chelating (binds metal ions that could impair the stability or appearance of the product).

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

In antiperspirants and deodorants it is usually used in small amounts to fine-tune acidity. It does not reduce sweating and does not replace an aluminum salt.

Regulatory and scientific context

In 2014 the CIR reviewed citric acid, its inorganic salts and alkyl citrates and found them safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.

What sensitive skin should consider

At high concentrations, acids can sting the skin, but in antiperspirants citric acid usually serves as a pH adjuster in small amounts.

Do not confuse with

It is not the same as Triethyl Citrate or Silver Citrate: those are citric acid derivatives with different jobs in the formula.

Products containing Citric Acid

Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.

ProductFormatRole in the formulaFull analysis

NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Original 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

NIVEA Black & White Invisible Clear 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Just Malve Deodorant Antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Lady Speed Stick Invisible Protection 45 gstickpH adjusterOpen

LR Aloe Via Aloe Vera Protecting Deo Roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

NIVEA MEN Silver Protect roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

NIVEA LOVE Be Trendy Gentle Freshness roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Yves Rocher 48h chamomile roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Forever Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick 92.1 gstickpH adjusterOpen

Dove Go Fresh pomegranate & lemon verbena spray 150 mlspraypH adjusterOpen

Dove Beauty & Care aerosol 150 mlspraypH adjusterOpen

syNeo 5 pump spray antiperspirant unisex 30 mlspraypH adjusterOpen

GEHWOL Foot + Shoe Deo foot and shoe deodorant 150 mlaerosolpH adjusterOpen

Lion Ban Premium cooling wipes «Citrus», 30 sheetswipespH adjusterOpen

Lion Ban Premium cooling wipes «Floral», 30 sheetswipespH adjusterOpen

Weleda Citrus 24h Deo Roll-On 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Avène Body 24h deodorant roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Yves Rocher Citrus with Mint roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Yves Rocher Cotton & Mallow roll-on 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

L'Occitane Lavande Poivre Noir roll-on deodorant 50 mlroll-onpH adjusterOpen

Sources

The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.

COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): Citric Acid Supports: function
CIR: Safety Assessment of Citric Acid, Inorganic Citrate Salts, and Alkyl Citrate Esters (2014) Supports: safety assessment

Citric Acid

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

Products containing Citric Acid

Sources

Ingredients with a similar role