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Moumoujus

POTASSIUM CITRATE.

Valuable CAS 866-84-2 / BUFFERING, CHELATING

Potassium Citrate is a multifunctional ingredient primarily utilized as a buffering agent, optimizing product pH for stability and skin compatibility. It also acts as a chelating agent, neutralizing trace metal ions to preserve formulation integrity and prevent degradation. This dual action contributes to product longevity and reduces the potential for skin irritation.

Summary

buffering chelating pH adjusting

Science

Mechanism of Action

Within cosmetic formulations, Potassium Citrate primarily functions as a buffering agent. It helps maintain a stable pH range, with an optimal buffer capacity observed between pH 3.0 and 6.5. This stabilization is crucial for preventing ingredient degradation, ensuring product efficacy, and aligning the product's pH with the skin's natural slightly acidic environment (around pH 5.5), thereby minimizing irritation. Additionally, Potassium Citrate serves as a chelating agent, binding to trace metal ions that can catalyze oxidative reactions. By sequestering these ions, it helps to prevent discoloration and preserve the product's overall integrity, offering an indirect antioxidant-like property.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.002–0.6%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No specific data regarding potential for over-formulation or dusting for direct skin benefits were identified in the research data provided.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 6.5
0 7 14

Stability

Potassium Citrate exhibits chemical stability under normal conditions. Its primary role in formulation is to maintain optimal pH, which is critical for preventing product degradation and ensuring ingredient stability, particularly for sensitive active components. Formulating within its optimal buffer capacity of pH 3.0-6.5 is essential, with a target around pH 5.5 considered ideal for skin barrier health and minimizing irritation.

Conflicts

  • acids
  • bases
  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.6%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed potassium citrate safe for cosmetic use, with usage surveyed in products containing 0.002-0.6%. It is also recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for direct food substances, reinforcing its strong safety profile. Its use is permitted in cosmetics marketed in the European Union.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Citrate is a valuable ingredient, essential for optimizing product stability and enhancing skin compatibility by precisely maintaining the formulation's pH and protecting against degradation.

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