Snapshot
- Overview
- A form of sodium citrate that keeps formulas gentle and stable.
- Category
- Skin Conditioning
- Type
- pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate Dihydrate
Sodium citrate dihydrate is the crystalline, hydrated sodium salt of citric acid. It's used to regulate pH, buffer acidity, lightly chelate trace metals, and improve the stability and performance of water-based cosmetics.
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Our take
Is Sodium Citrate Dihydrate a Good Ingredient?
It rates Good because it reliably maintains the proper pH balance of a formula and supports overall stability, which is a real but purely behind-the-scenes contribution. It doesn't score higher since it offers no direct skincare treatment benefit of its own.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It keeps formulas comfortable on skin by maintaining a skin-friendly acidity and minimizing sting, and supports product consistency over time so textures and colors stay reliable.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's common in toners, serums, and gel moisturizers to fine-tune acidity, and used in water-based cleansers to keep formulas uniform during storage.
Before you use it
Safety
It's generally considered low risk in rinse-off and leave-on formulas, but it may tingle on damaged or very sensitive skin if the pH is off. No specific cosmetic regulatory restrictions are commonly cited.
Products with Sodium Citrate Dihydrate
