Is Citric Acid The Secret to Smoother, Brighter Skin?

Lemons? Sourness? Citrus? When you hear “citric acid”, what actually comes to mind? Whatever it is, you’re not wrong. As an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that’s great for your skin, let’s just say we have A LOT to say about this beneficial skincare ingredient. 🍋

Let’s get into it! 👇🏽

Hold my Sundae – What are AHAs? 

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are natural ingredients from fruits and milk, often used in skincare. They gently remove dead skin cells by loosening the bonds between them, helping to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Common AHAs include today’s star of the show – citric acid – as well as glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid. You’ll find them in products like toners, masks, serums and cleansers (like our Green Tea Exfoliating Shower Foam!). 🍵

What is citric acid and what are its benefits for skin?

Citric acid is commonly used in skincare for its exfoliating and antioxidant properties. It does its thing by gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, helping to smooth skin texture and overall brightness. As a source of antioxidants, citric acid has a whole host of party tricks. It can:

• Protect the skin from free radical damage

• Help boost collagen production

• Improve skin texture and tone

• Offer noticeable smoothing and brightening effects

• It’s also sometimes used in formulations to help regulate the pH of skincare products, ensuring they remain effective and skin-friendly.

Tips for incorporating citric acid into your bodycare routine

Consider your skin type: Citric acid is generally safe for most skin types, but its exfoliating properties mean it works best for those with oily skin. Those with sensitive skin types or allergies may want to go slooooow when first testing it out. (Because as our sensitive skin and allergy baddies know, it doesn’t hurt to be too cautious!).

You can combine AHAs and BHAs, but watch for irritation: Depending on the formulation, you can generally use citric acid-containing products 2-3 times per week. It often works well with other AHAs and BHAs, but combining them may increase the risk of skin irritation.

Avoid using citric acid with retinoids at the same time: To prevent redness or skin sensitivity, consider applying citric acid in the morning and retinoids at night (if incorporating both into your routine).

Keep up your daily SPF: Citric acid will make your skin more susceptible to the sun, so it’s important to be extra diligent when it comes to your daily SPF!

Citric acid vs. the other actives: Who’s got the glowiest power?

From ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to lactic acid, here’s how the actives all stack up against our bestie (citric acid – duh!)

Citric acid vs. ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Though both are found in citrus fruits, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and citric acid have distinct roles when it comes to skincare. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant and a vital nutrient for collagen production and skin brightening, while citric acid primarily acts as an exfoliant and pH adjuster. 

Citric acid vs. glycolic acid

Both citric acid and glycolic acid exfoliate the skin, but they work a bit differently. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule of the AHA family, so it offers deeper penetration and works faster. This makes it a wiz at improving fine lines, mild acne-prone skin and uneven texture. Citric acid has a larger molecule, so it stays more on the surface, making it gentler – especially for sensitive skin. So, while glycolic acid is stronger and arguably better for deeper exfoliation, citric acid is a milder option that’s suitable for those who want a more subtle effect, or are new to acids.

Citric acid vs. lactic acid

Citric acid and lactic acid are both AHAs that make skin smoother by removing the outer layer. But because of their different sizes, they work a bit differently. Citric acid has bigger molecules, so it doesn’t go as deep into the skin. Lactic acid is smaller and can go deeper, so it’s stronger. Both are gentler than glycolic acid, but citric acid is the mildest and best for sensitive skin. (It also helps balance the skin’s pH, so that’s a win if we ever saw one!).

🍋Now that you’re across all things citric acid and the whole AHA crew, it’s time to get your juicy fix! Discover the benefits of citric acid in our luxurious Body Whip Moisturisers. Mmm…

Happy Sundae x 

Enjoy a dollop of luminous hydration 👇

Very Berry Body Whip Moisturiser | Perky Plum Body Whip Moisturiser | Just Peachy Body Whip Moisturiser | Watermelon Whirl Body Whip Moisturiser

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin