We may earn a commission from the affiliate links on this page, but we only recommend products and services we love. We promise!
If one of your skincare goals for 2025 is to have that "just-got-back-from-a-facial" glowy look without actually booking an appointment, then it's time to sit down and take some notes. Today, we'll be talking about citric acid.
You might have spotted citric acid lurking in the ingredients list of your favorite skincare products, but what does it actually do? It might sound a lil' intimidating and scientific, but trust us when we say that it's magic (!) in a bottle. From brightening dark spots to gently sloughing off dead skin, citric acid is basically that girl.
Ahead, we'll be giving you the 411 on citric acid, including what it actually is, its benefits for the skin, and ofc, a shopping list of the best products you can add to cart. Keep on reading to learn more:
OK, so what is citric acid?
Citric acid is part of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family, which means it's sisters with other skincare MVPs like glycolic acid and lactic acid. However, instead of being derived from sugarcane, citric acid actually comes from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.
READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About AHAs and BHAs
If you haven't tried AHAs before, they work by sloughing off the dull, dead skin on the uppermost layers to reveal a fresher, glowier complexion underneath. But unlike some of the other AHAs in the family (looking @ u rn, glycolic acid), citric acid is gentler on the skin, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin or those who are beginners at using actives.
What are the benefits of citric acid on the skin?
- It exfoliates the skin. Citric acid is a chemical exfoliant, which means it can dissolve your dead skin cells without the need for harsh scrubbing. This makes it the perfect ingredient for anyone dealing with texture or dullness and who doesn't want to irritate their skin.
- It brightens and evens out the skin. Struggling with stubborn AF hyperpigmentation or dark spots after your breakouts? Citric acid can help you with that. Because it can help speed up the cell turnover process, it can fade your discoloration and give your skin a more uniform tone.
- It helps to unclog pores. Citric acid's exfoliating properties can help dissolve the gunk that's clogging your pores, which, in turn, can prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.
How do I incorporate citric acid into my skincare routine?
Citric acid comes in a wide variety of different skincare product types, such as facial washes, toners, serums, and moisturizers. For best results, we recommend using a serum that's loaded with it to really help it sink into your skin. Make sure to load up on sunscreen during the daytime as well, since using actives can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.
P.S. As with all active ingredients, we recommend only using citric acid-infused products once a week at first to let your skin get used to it and build tolerance. If you don't see any negative reactions, you may begin using it more often.
READ MORE: The Best Actives + Ingredients To Layer For Glowing Skin
SHOP: The best citric acid-infused skincare products to try
Sola Yuzu Burst Jelly Double Cleanser
If you're looking for a two-in-one cleanser that can dissolve your makeup and clean your face at the same time, look no further than this facial wash from Sola. It contains yuzu extract (a citrus fruit rich in Vitamin C and citric acid), Korean black ginseng, and green tea that will brighten and refresh your face while also washing away all the dirt and makeup.
Sola Yuzu Burst Jelly Double Cleanser, P349, Shopee and Lazada
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Double cleansing is a v important step, especially if you wear makeup! To ensure that you have a clean canvas for the rest of your routine, use this cult-favorite balm from Farmacy. It breaks down stubborn makeup and sunscreen while incorporating natural AHAs from fruit extracts (including citric acid!) to leave your skin feeling clean and nourished.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, P1,797, Sephora.ph
Pixi Vitamin C Serum
If you have a little bit more money to spare, treat your skin to this lightweight serum from Pixi. It combines the brightening powers of Vitamin C with ferulic acid, a plant-derived antioxidant that helps protect your skin against environmental stressors and signs of aging.
Pixi Vitamin C Serum, P1,390, Shopee and Lazada
Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum
If you're looking for an affordable yet effective option, this serum from Garnier is packed with vitamin C and citric acid to visibly brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation over time. Say goodbye to post-breakout hyperpigmentation!
Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum, P379, Shopee and Lazada
Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Alcohol-Free Toner
This affordable AF brightening toner from Céleteque contains citric acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells and niacinamide to brighten dark spots, all while being super gentle and alcohol-free—the perfect combo for sensitive skin.
Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Alcohol-free Toner, P150, Shopee and Lazada
Follow Cheska on Instagram.
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
For more discounts and deals, check out Cosmopolitan Philippines' exclusive vouchers.
