What is Citric Acid?

Buffering

Citric Acid is a buffer that holds the pH steady.

This ingredient is listed in CosIng, the EU's cosmetic ingredient database. CosIng lists what it's used for as: Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance.

CosIng function classes are the EU's standard list of the jobs an ingredient does inside a product, such as moisturizing, emulsifying, or preserving.

Which products feature it?

17 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.

Showing 1 to 12.

Dr.G
Weakly Acidic Cleansing Gel Foam
Key: Citric Acid (#5 on the ingredient list), Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
7 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
less visible pores
See each claim
claims, checked
Weakly Acidic Cleansing Gel Foamplausible, not tested
You will also like that 5 biome ingredients and plant derived ingredients groom the skin to be healthy.partly backed
①KC Skin Clinical Research Center: judged to be a product that can help cleanse sunscreen products, fine dust simulant and impurities inside porespartly backed
②KTR: antibacterial activity against 5 bacteria confirmedpartly backed
Take an appropriate amount of the contents, lather thoroughly with a small amount of water, then cleanse gently on the face as if massaging and rinse clean with lukewarm water.partly backed
Cleansing moistly and cleanly without tightnessoverstated
When you wet it, foam forms and it turns into a foam type. It cleanly cleanses everything from sunscreen to fine dust simulant and impurities inside pores.overstated
Hanyul
Ginkgo Leaf Pore Resurfacing Serum
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement.
Key: Citric Acid (#8 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide 10%, Salicylic Acid
Official (Korean)
19 claims, summarized
You can expect:
softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
less visible pores · firmer skin · less shine
See each claim
claims, checked
Helps improve skin wrinkles.backed by evidence
With the triple effect of pore sebum care-elasticity strengthening-unevenness peelingpartly backed
10% niacinamide narrows stretched pore walls²⁾partly backed
8.4% AHA·BHA·PHA smooths visible pore texture³⁾partly backed
High-efficacy active ingredients, 10-layer absorption into the skin, +22.41%*partly backed
A mildly acidic water serum that creates -45%* smaller poresoverstated
Achieve -45%* half-pore completion in 8 hoursoverstated
4.5%** ginkgo leaf vegan peptide™ makes the interior¹⁾ of enlarged pores smalleroverstated
100%* reduction of excess sebum in poresoverstated
90.6%* elasticity strengthening of loosened pore wallsoverstated
100%* smoothing of bumpy pore unevennessoverstated
Golden combination of 24% pore-improving special ingredientsno supporting source found
3 times* stronger pore elasticity than the elasticity-strong peptide!no supporting source found
Ginkgo leaf has the ability to control excess sebum secreted inside pores.no supporting source found
Quickly absorbed without lingering on the skin 93.75% No stuffy feeling even when layered 93.75% Good spreadability and fast absorption 96.87%no supporting source found
Feeling that makeup doesn't smear and works better 96.8% Feeling that makeup adhesion is higher 93.7% Feeling that makeup products get caught in pores less 93.7%no supporting source found
Low irritation Skin irritation score [0.00]no supporting source found
Dermatology test completed 9 FREEno supporting source found
High-efficacy active ingredients quickly penetrate deep into the skinno supporting source found
Anua
HEARTLEAF 87 LOW pH DEEP CLEANSING WATER
Key: Citric Acid (#9 on the ingredient list), Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Amazon· Seller not confirmed Official (Korean)
3 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
clearer-looking skin
See each claim
claims, checked
Functional cosmetic for the relief of acne-prone skinpartly backed
Applying Anua's own fluid micellar method, it boasts a deep cleansing effect that cleanly removes up to 98% of waterproof mascara, 95% of lipstick, 96% of eyebrow makeup and 97% of base makeup in just one useno supporting source found
It has completed an alternative eye irritation test and a skin irritation test, so even sensitive skin can use it with confidenceno supporting source found
NEEDLY
Anti-Trouble Pad
It's made for a smoother skin texture and less shine.
Key: Citric Acid (#12 on the ingredient list), Betaine Salicylate, Gluconolactone
Official (Korean)
21 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
clearer-looking skin · a smoother skin texture · less shine · calmer skin
Don't count on:
better barrier support
See each claim
claims, checked
Cool and clean skin purificationplausible, not tested
Watery formula for lighter, cooler care of skin troubles*plausible, not tested
Dead skin cell care for bumpy skin + sebum and impurity careplausible, not tested
Skin soothingplausible, not tested
Soft double-sided pad effective for both wiping toner and pack tonerplausible, not tested
#SuitableForAcneProneSkin#AHA,BHA,LHA,PHApartly backed
Purifies sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities in pores, the cause of skin trouble*partly backed
Low-irritation trouble* pad suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skinpartly backed
Seems suitable for use on acne-prone skin 100%partly backed
AHA and PHA ingredients gently remove dead skin cells, and BHA and LHA ingredients dissolve sebum and impurities in pores without irritation, purifying pores.partly backed
Sebum secretion improvement effect confirmed after 4 weeks of usepartly backed
Suitable for acne-prone skin · sebum improvementpartly backed
Suitable for sensitive skinpartly backed
Solve recurring skin troubles* with one sheetoverstated
The sure reason for gentle, non-irritating trouble careoverstated
256.21% improvementoverstated
Barrier careno supporting source found
Intensive moisture care with 9 times essence absorption relative to fabric weightno supporting source found
A biodegradable vegan pad that considers skin and environmentno supporting source found
Vegan certification and biodegradability certification completedno supporting source found
Impurities x sebum are cleanly removed, and skin soothing and recovery are done smartlynothing specific to check
CHOROK CHORONG
EXFOLIATING & SEBUM CARE JEJU PEPPERMINT TONER PAD
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening.
Key: Citric Acid (#13 on the ingredient list), Jeju Peppermint Leaf Water 80%, Niacinamide
Official (Korean)
39 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · a smoother skin texture · less shine · less visible pores
Tests passed:
skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Not water, but 80% Jeju peppermint leaf water.backed by evidence
Whitening functional cosmetic: helps whiten skin.backed by evidence
Removes dead skin cells and sebum to instantly transform skin into a soft and smooth texture.plausible, not tested
Cooling & Soothing Controlplausible, not tested
Exfoliating & Sebum Careplausible, not tested
Cares for dead skin cells and sebum to change to smooth and soft skin texture.plausible, not tested
Hydration & Moisturizingplausible, not tested
Tidies up skin that is dry and flaky and oily with dead skin cells and sebum to make it well-receptive to makeup.plausible, not tested
Immediately smooth skin texture after use.plausible, not tested
#DeadSkinCells·Sebum·PoreCareplausible, not tested
A moist water-type essence that finishes refreshingly without stickiness.plausible, not tested
Contains 280mL of essence in 70 pure cotton pads, maintaining moistness until the last sheet.plausible, not tested
100% pure cotton pads.plausible, not tested
Removes dull and greasy dead skin cells and sebum.plausible, not tested
100% vegan formula containing no animal-derived ingredients.plausible, not tested
With Braille printing, we have included consideration for everyone.plausible, not tested
Instead of purified water, uses Jeju peppermint leaf water, helping with immediate cooling and soothing effects.partly backed
Fruit acid components AHA · PHA · LHA and oil-soluble BHA care for old dead skin cells and sebum inside pores to tidy skin into smoothness.partly backed
Triple Layer Hyaluronic Acidpartly backed
2-in-1 dead skin cells·sebum & whitening care.partly backed
Apply for approximately 10~20 minutes to deliver whitening and moisturizing effects.partly backed
In addition to 1-2 niacinamide ingredient, a total of 36 ingredients.partly backed
Contains three types of plant-derived extracts that lower skin irritation and help clean care.partly backed
Skin safety test completed for sensitive skin.partly backed
Skin Non Irritation Test Completed.partly backed
Non-irritating ingredient with a skin irritation level of 0.00.partly backed
With dead skin cell and sebum care, fills skin that can become dry from outside to inside in 3 steps.overstated
With a skin irritation level of 0.00, it is non-irritating and can be used even on sensitive skin.overstated
Makeup booster effect.no supporting source found
Uses only 100% pure cotton pads certified by the Korea Vegan Certification Institute.no supporting source found
A vegan cosmetic certified by the Korea Vegan Certification Institute and the UK Vegan Society.no supporting source found
EWG GREENno supporting source found
3-6 Jeju peppermint leaf water sebum care, soothing, cooling effects.no supporting source found
Excludes ingredients suspected to be harmful.no supporting source found
Free of 27 ingredients suspected to be harmful as designated by Olive Young Clean Beauty and Hwahae.no supporting source found
Plant-derived complex extract Bacto-kill.no supporting source found
For forest conservation, prints on FSC™ certified paper with eco-friendly soybean oil ink.no supporting source found
Every month, a portion of sales revenue is donated to the Animal Freedom Alliance.no supporting source found
#MakeupFriendlyItem#SkinTextureTidyingnothing specific to check
Mamonde
Amazing Deep Mint Clenasing Balm
Key: Citric Acid (#14 on the ingredient list), Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone
Official (Korean)
14 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
less visible pores · less shine · a smoother skin texture
See each claim
claims, checked
Pores, sebum and flakes too!plausible, not tested
A sebum-targeting deep cleansing balm that cleanly washes away skin impurities and makeupplausible, not tested
AHA, BHA and PHA added to the 3-second* ingredientspartly backed
Blackhead and whitehead reduction -24.6%partly backed
Sebum amount reduction -30%partly backed
Old flake improvement -55.2%partly backed
Pore volume -26.5 %partly backed
99.5 % pore impurity cleansing power with just one useoverstated
Oil amount reduction -85.6%overstated
A 5D pore shrinking effect with just one use!overstated
A low irritation vegan formula daily balmoverstated
With one cleansing balm, pores, flakes and even blemish soothing! A pore sebum softening cleansing balm that wipes out skin impurities by adding triple peeling ingredients to the 3-second ingredientsoverstated
Vegan certification completedno supporting source found
Water Friendly Systemnothing specific to check
COSRX
Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water
Key: Citric Acid (#15 on the ingredient list), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Panthenol
Brand store Olive Young US Official (Korean)
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Weakly Acidic Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Waterpartly backed
DERMAFIRM
Soothing Repair Toning Pad R4
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key: Citric Acid (#19 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide, Adenosine
35 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
a smoother skin texture · better hydration · less visible pores · firmer skin
Don't count on:
calmer skin · a brighter skin tone · clearer-looking skin
Free of:
9 listed ingredients
Tests passed:
non-comedogenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Italian vegan V-LABLEbacked by evidence
Hygienic one-sheet use with one-touch cap and built-in tongs! Pick up pads one at a time easily and conveniently with built-in tongs that ensure hygiene and convenience while reducing the risk of loss. Pop!backed by evidence
Completed functional cosmetic review (or report) under the Cosmetics Act / Whitening and wrinkle-improvement functionalitybacked by evidence
2024 Hwahae Award 1st place Dermafirm Soothing Repair Toning Pad R4 2024 Hwahae H2 Best New Product Skin/Toner Pad Category 1st placeplausible, not tested
2024 Glowpick H2 Award Toner Pad Rookieplausible, not tested
Skin temperature -19.44% decreaseplausible, not tested
After 2 weeks, pore area melanin -1.73% alleviatedplausible, not tested
Moisture retention, adhesion UP! 3-layer water tank fabric: a 3-layer structure soaked with moisture essence that adheres tightly without gaps even on curved areasplausible, not tested
Can be used as a mask sheet substitute! Big-size wave-shaped padplausible, not tested
A moist water essence that gives a cooling sensation as soon as appliedplausible, not tested
3-color marks ALL-CARE from dead skin cell care to 3-color mark improvementpartly backed
Toning and dead skin cell care at once! GlowTathione Acid(TM), combining low-irritation peeling ingredient 3HA (PHA / LHA / AHA) that gently cares for dead skin cells with glutathione, goes beyond simple peeling to help with dead skin cell, moisture, and toning care.partly backed
Completed 17 human application tests!partly backed
6-step pore care for smooth skin: pore volume -28.84% decrease, horizontal pores -11.63% decrease, vertical (aging) pores -12.90% decrease, pore index -13.46% decrease, pore density -13.45% decrease, pore depth -9.76% decreasepartly backed
Makeup-friendly skin-making texture/glow care: makeup fix (anti-lifting) -18.69% decrease, lifted dead skin cells -59.73% decrease, skin glow +10.43% improvement, skin texture +10.27% improvementpartly backed
Ultra-adhesive vegan fabric that stretches as much as you wantpartly backed
Completed primary skin irritation test on sensitive skinpartly backed
Completed suitability test for acne-prone skin (non-comedogenic)partly backed
Skin average response 0.00partly backed
FREE from 26 allergy-causing ingredients, no pigments, 9 FREEpartly backed
Care that leaves no room for melanin #AllMarkCarePadoverstated
Skin moisture +283.03% increase in just one useoverstated
Dead skin cells -91.57% improvementoverstated
After 4 weeks, noticeably clearer skin tone #ClearToneSkin: skin surface pigmentation +2.68% improvement, inner skin melanin -1.22% alleviation, patchy yellowness +2.66% improvement, dull darkness +1.32% improvement, overall face tone uniformity +1.04% improvementoverstated
Low-irritation functional #ToningPad that sensitive and acne-prone skin can use with peace of mindoverstated
Usage satisfaction ALL 100%no supporting source found
It feels like the skin radiates a healthy glow.no supporting source found
It feels like rough skin has become smooth.no supporting source found
It feels like pores are tightly contracted.no supporting source found
It feels like skin temperature quickly subsides.no supporting source found
External irritation damaged skin soothing/redness -53.18% alleviationno supporting source found
Skin temperature due to external irritation -133.18% decreasecontradicted by sources
Award 1st place right after launchnothing specific to check
[Intensive research on 3-color marks] Applying Dermafirm LAB's differentiated R&D technology, based on over 20 years of accumulated research know-how from its own research institute, we strive with craftsmanship to develop innovative materials and research optimal formulas for derma cosmetics aimed at fundamental skin health.nothing specific to check
Dermafirm, a skincare expert based on peptide science, possessing proprietary peptide technology and directly managing the entire process from R&D of ingredients and formulas to production.nothing specific to check
SOME BY MI
AHA BHA PHA 30 DAYS MIRACLE TONER
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key: Citric Acid (#21 on the ingredient list), Niacinamide 2%, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water
Official (Korean)
26 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
calmer skin (amount unknown) · a smoother skin texture · better hydration · less shine
Don't count on:
clearer-looking skin
Free of:
20 listed ingredients
Tests passed:
hypoallergenic · non-comedogenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Functional cosmetics reporting completed under the Cosmetics Act; dual functional cosmetic for whitening ㆍ wrinkle improvementbacked by evidence
Free of 20 skin-worrying ingredientsbacked by evidence
Whitening ㆍ wrinkle improvement functionalbacked by evidence
MILD TURN OVER for soothing skinplausible, not tested
Contains tea tree leaf water to help soothe sensitized skinplausible, not tested
Refreshing absorption without stickinessplausible, not tested
TEATREE 10,000 PPMplausible, not tested
NIACINAMIDE 2 %plausible, not tested
Low-irritation soothing toner for sensitive skinpartly backed
Cares for old dead skin cells on the skin's surfacepartly backed
Gently removes excess sebumpartly backed
Minimizes moisture loss & evens out skin texturepartly backed
Low-irritation soothing toner comfortable for daily usepartly backed
With AHA, BHA, PHA, gently cares for dead skin cells, impurities, and sebum on the skin surfacepartly backed
Completed non-comedogenic testing, comfortable for acne-prone skinpartly backed
Human application test for sebum improvement completedpartly backed
Irritation level 0.00; completed low-irritation test for sensitive skinpartly backed
Non-comedogenic test completedpartly backed
With a daily combination of AHA, BHA, PHA, gently cares for dead skin and sebum without irritationpartly backed
High satisfaction! Dead skin, sebum, and impurities swept away!overstated
Sebum amount improved by 30.87%overstated
Acne* soothing satisfaction 100%no supporting source found
Skin texture improvement satisfaction 100%no supporting source found
Excess sebum and dead skin improvement satisfaction 100%no supporting source found
Dermatologist Testedno supporting source found
Safe ingredients and verified efficacy unchangedno supporting source found
Real Barrier
Control-T Acid Pore Clay Pack
It's made for calmer skin.
Key: Citric Acid (#21 on the ingredient list), Kaolin, Diatomaceous Earth
8 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
less visible pores · calmer skin
Tests passed:
skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
POINT 05 Safe use even on sensitive skin We have completed the skin irritation test so that it can be used safely without irritation even on sensitive skin. *Completed human skin primary irritation test for sensitive skin * Human application test for the evaluation of primary irritation on sensitive skin by skin patch of Real Barrier Control-T Acid Pore Clay Pack (Test institution: ProbeM Co., Ltd. Skin Clinical Research Center / Test period: 24.11.26~24.11.28 / Test subjects: 30 people / Individual differences may occur)backed by evidence
The 2-minute* pore-instantly-gone clay pack that cleanly removes impurities inside pores Real Barrier Control-T Acid Pore Clay Pack *Recommended time for one use / May differ by individualplausible, not tested
Pore care in just 2 minutes*, clean cleansing of impurities inside pores, fast-drying reverse texture * Recommended time for one use / May differ by individualplausible, not tested
POINT 02 Clean cleansing of impurities inside pores It cleanly cleanses sebum(oil), blackheads, and whiteheads inside pores and improves skin texture to deliver soft skin without greasiness.plausible, not tested
POINT 03 Fast-drying reverse cream texture The clay pack with a reverse cream texture that dries quickly the moment it touches the skin adsorbs sebum and impurities to clean the pores.plausible, not tested
Pore size improvement 43.0%, pore volume improvement 45.2%, horizontal pore improvement 35.7%, vertical pore improvement 30.5%, pore depth improvement 17.4% * Human application test for the evaluation of the immediate (temporary) sebum(oil), blackhead, whitehead, 5-fold pore (size/volume/depth/horizontal pore/vertical pore), cleansing power of impurities inside pores (fine dust mimic), skin texture improvement, and immediate temperature decrease (cooling) of Real Barrier Control-T Acid Pore Clay Pack (Test institution: ProbeM Co., Ltd. Skin Clinical Research Center / Test period: 24.11.18~24.11.22 / Test subjects: 20 people / Individual differences may occur)partly backed
POINT 04 -5.6 degrees Celsius effect on heated skin temperature It quickly lowers the heated skin temperature to deliver a pleasant cooling sensation.partly backed
97% cleansing effect on impurities inside pores 2 minutes after product useno supporting source found
S.NATURE
Aqua Rice Mildly Acidic Cleansing Foam
Key: Citric Acid (#22 on the ingredient list), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Brand store Official (Korean)
5 claims, summarized
Don't count on:
better hydration · calmer skin
See each claim
claims, checked
Aqua Rice Mildly Acidic Cleansing Foamplausible, not tested
Naturally derived ingredients gently purify the skin, andpartly backed
fill it full of moistureoverstated
Skin soothingno supporting source found
Clean beautynothing specific to check
Parnell
AHA OMIJA CERAMIC CLEANSING OIL
Key: Citric Acid (#25 on the ingredient list), Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Betaine Salicylate
Official (Korean)

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We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.

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Result	Claims
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These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.