The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Monosodium Citrate

Sodium dihydrogen citrate

Safety Notes

Monosodium salt of citric acid used to buffer formula pH on the acidic side and provide mild metal-ion chelation. Well tolerated.

Function & Common Use

Function

Buffering / pH adjuster / Chelating

Category

Chelating Agent

Common In

Buffered cleansers, toners, creams

Origin

Plant-derived (citric acid, partially neutralised)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No specific limit; use at self-determined safe level per safety assessment

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked

Baby restriction: None identified for standard cosmetic use

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monosodium Citrate safe to use in skincare?

Monosodium Citrate has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Monosodium salt of citric acid used to buffer formula pH on the acidic side and provide mild metal-ion chelation. Well tolerated.

Is Monosodium Citrate allowed in India?

Monosodium Citrate is currently classified as "Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked.

What is Monosodium Citrate used for in cosmetics?

Monosodium Citrate functions as: Buffering / pH adjuster / Chelating. It is commonly found in: Buffered cleansers, toners, creams.

Is Monosodium Citrate safe for babies?

Monosodium Citrate has baby/child restrictions: None identified for standard cosmetic use. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted; no specific 21 CFR cosmetic restriction identified in source checked
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted; no specific MFDS restriction identified in source checked
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; standard framework applies; no therapeutic listing unless therapeutic claims made
Canada (NHPID)
Not listed as restricted on Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist in source checked; standard cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS18996-35-5
EC242-734-6

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