Citric Acid In Haircare: Use and Benefits

Have you ever checked the ingredients list of your hair care products and noticed the term “citric acid” but didn’t quite understand its purpose?

Citric acid is frequently used in skincare formulas, as well as everything from food to cleaning supplies. It is derived from citrus fruits, as you would have guessed, and then utilized for its different benefits.

Allow us to shed some light on the use ingredient that seems to features in a number of hair care products.

What is Citric Acid?

Firstly, citric acid is a weak acid that appears as small clear crystals similar to those of common table salt. Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes have the highest quantity of this acid. The acid is also present in fruits like tangerines, oranges and pineapples.

Citric acid is actually an alpha hydroxy acid(AHA), which is a type of hydroxy acid that is often used in skincare products for its exfoliating properties. However, in hair care products, its purpose is slightly different.

Use of Citric Acid In Haircare

Citric acid is commonly used in hair care products as it helps to lower the pH levels of many products such as shampoo. Most shampoos have high alkaline pH levels, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and leave it dry and brittle.

Products like our Sapphire Hair Shampoo, 2in1 Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave In Treatment, and kid’s shampoo and hair moisturizer, are formulated with the acid.

By adding citric acid, it helps to lower the pH levels and maintain a healthy pH balance, ensuring your hair stays healthy and nourished after using the products.

Benefits for hair

One of the main benefits of citric acid in hair care products is its ability to make your hair look shinier and more lustrous. Citrus acid maintains the ideal pH level for your hair which aids in keeping the hair cuticles sealed. As a result, hair looks healthier and more radiant since the shafts can better retain moisture and reflect light.

Additionally, it balances the pH of your scalp(ideal scalp pH is 4.5-5.5), which can help with common hair issues such as dandruff and dryness.

Citric acid also removes excess oil from the scalp, and prevents the growth of microbes.

Safety and compatibility

The good news is that citric acid is safe to use in hair care products for everyone, except for those with citrus allergies. It is also compatible with other hair care ingredients-there are no known ingredients that negatively interact with it.

How to use it

Since citric acid is found as an ingredient in most hair care products, you can use it normally as you would any other product. Once again, if you have a citrus allergy, it is best to avoid using it.

Furthermore, it is not recommended to use it on its own for any DIY experiments. Citric acid should only be used in specific and correct concentrations in order to be safe and effective.

Takeaway

Overall, citric acid is a great ingredient to have in your hair care products, as it benefits all hair types and helps maintain a healthy pH balance, leaving you with healthy, shiny and nourished locks. Because you are a GEM.