Quick answer

The potassium salt of citric acid; May be plant-derived or synthetic; Acts as a pH-adjusting ingredient and chelating agent in cosmetic formulations; Comes in the form of white crystals, granules, or powder as a raw material

Potassium Citrate

Updated

Tripotassium citrate

Purpose

Chelating agent and pH adjuster. May be plant-derived or synthetic.

Rating

GOOD

Category

pH Adjuster/Stabilizer

INCI Purpose

BUFFERING, CHELATING

Alternative Names

At a Glance

The potassium salt of citric acid

May be plant-derived or synthetic

Acts as a pH-adjusting ingredient and chelating agent in cosmetic formulations

Comes in the form of white crystals, granules, or powder as a raw material

Article

Potassium citrate is the potassium salt of citric acid. This ingredient may be plant-derived or synthetic. It acts as a pH-adjusting ingredient and chelating agent in skin care and other cosmetic formulations.

As a raw material, potassium citrate comes in the form of white crystals, granules, or powder.

The 2014 Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment deemed potassium citrate safe as used in cosmetics. Their report surveyed products containing 0.002-0.6% potassium citrate.

Interesting fact: Potassium citrate is also a food-grade additive and is used in oral supplement form for certain medical conditions.

See: Citric Acid

References