Citric acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant. People use it as a food flavoring and preservative, an ingredient in cosmetics, and a component in cleaning products.

Because citric acid works as an additive, there is a manufactured version of it. Some people may be allergic or intolerant to this form, potentially leading to digestive issues and inflammatory responses.

Uses

Citric acid is a common addictive because of its many benefits and minimal environmental impact. The three main industries that use citric acid are food, cosmetics, and cleaning products.

Food

Citric acid acts as a preservative in many processed foods, keeping them fresh. It does this by slowing or helping prevent the formation of bacteria, mold, yeast, and fungus.

It retains a food’s color, flavor, and texture. This delays how quickly food spoils, increasing its shelf life.

Additionally, it can help balance the pH level, or acidity, of a food or beverage. For example, when manufacturers add citric acid to wine, it improves low acidity and taste.

Cosmetics

Citric acid provides many benefits when added to skincare products. It can brighten skin, minimize fine lines, and even skin tone.

Manufacturers also use citric acid as an additive in hairspray, deodorant, and body spray. It preserves cosmetics and personal care products to ensure they do not grow mold, bacteria, or fungus.

Cleaning supplies

Because citric acid is effective at killing harmful bacteria, it is a beneficial addition to cleaning products. It also has brightening properties that are useful for stain removal.