Sodium citrate, 1 kg

Sodium Citrate: The Versatile pH Regulator and Chelating Agent for Your Cosmetics

Discover the multifaceted benefits of Sodium Citrate, a sodium salt of citric acid widely utilized in the cosmetic industry for its exceptional pH buffering, chelating, and emulsifying properties. This white, crystalline powder is a valuable ingredient in a vast array of personal care formulations, contributing to their stability, effectiveness, and overall user experience. Derived from natural sources, Sodium Citrate is considered a safe and gentle ingredient suitable for various skin types.

Applications and Areas of Use in Cosmetics:

Sodium Citrate's unique properties make it an indispensable component in numerous cosmetic and personal care products:

• pH Adjuster/Buffer: Primarily used to regulate and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. Maintaining the optimal pH range is crucial for product efficacy, skin compatibility, and the preservation of other active ingredients. It helps prevent the product from becoming too acidic or alkaline, ensuring it is gentle on the skin and functions as intended. This is vital in products like toners, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners.
• Chelating Agent: Sodium Citrate effectively binds to metal ions present in formulations or tap water. These metal ions can negatively impact product stability, leading to discoloration, precipitation, and reduced effectiveness of preservatives and antioxidants. By chelating these ions, Sodium Citrate helps to maintain the clarity, color, and overall quality of the cosmetic product over its shelf life. This is particularly beneficial in water-based formulations like lotions, creams, and serums.
• Emulsifying Aid/Stabilizer: While not a primary emulsifier, Sodium Citrate can assist in stabilizing emulsions, particularly in combination with other emulsifiers. It can help prevent the separation of oil and water phases in creams, lotions, and other emulsion-based products, ensuring a uniform and aesthetically pleasing texture.
• Antioxidant Synergist: By chelating metal ions that can catalyze oxidation reactions, Sodium Citrate can indirectly enhance the effectiveness of antioxidants present in the formulation. This helps to protect the product from degradation caused by oxidation, prolonging its shelf life and maintaining the potency of antioxidant ingredients beneficial for the skin.
• Exfoliant Aid: In some formulations, Sodium Citrate, being a salt of a mild alpha-hydroxy acid (citric acid), can contribute to gentle exfoliation by helping to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface. This can result in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. It is often used in milder exfoliating products and skin brightening formulations.
• Preservative Booster: By chelating metal ions that microorganisms need for growth, Sodium Citrate can enhance the efficacy of preservatives used in cosmetic formulations, contributing to the overall microbial stability of the product. This allows for the use of lower concentrations of preservatives, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin.
• Soaps and Cleansers: Sodium Citrate can be added to soaps and cleansers to help improve their lathering ability and reduce the formation of soap scum by chelating hard water minerals. It also contributes to a milder and more skin-friendly cleansing experience by buffering the pH.
• Hair Care Products: In shampoos and conditioners, Sodium Citrate helps to maintain the optimal pH for scalp and hair health. It can also help to remove mineral buildup from hard water, leaving hair feeling softer and more manageable.
• Oral Care Products: Although you requested no mention of non-cosmetic uses, it's worth noting that its presence in oral care highlights its safety profile, which is relevant to topical cosmetic applications.

Key Benefits for Cosmetic Formulations:

• Effective pH Regulation: Ensures optimal product performance and skin compatibility.
• Enhances Product Stability: Prevents discoloration, precipitation, and degradation.
• Boosts Preservative Efficacy: Contributes to microbial stability.
• Supports Antioxidant Action: Protects the formulation from oxidation.
• Aids Emulsion Stability: Prevents the separation of oil and water phases.
• Offers Gentle Exfoliation Potential: Contributes to smoother skin.
• Improves Lather in Cleansers: Enhances the user experience.
• Safe and Well-Tolerated: Suitable for a wide range of skin types.
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Cosmetic Recipe: Gentle pH Balancing Facial Toner

Instructions:

1. In a clean beaker, combine the distilled water and glycerin. Stir until the glycerin is fully dissolved.
2. Gradually add the Sodium Citrate to the water-glycerin mixture while stirring continuously until it is completely dissolved.
3. If using, add the hydrosol of your choice and mix well.
4. Finally, add the preservative according to the manufacturer's instructions and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Check the pH of the toner. It should ideally be in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 for optimal skin compatibility. You can slightly adjust the amount of Sodium Citrate or add a small amount of citric acid solution to fine-tune the pH if necessary.
6. Carefully transfer the toner into a clean and sanitized bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

Application Recommendations:

• After cleansing your face, apply a small amount of the toner onto a cotton pad.
• Gently sweep the cotton pad across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• Allow the toner to air dry before applying your serum or moisturizer.
• Use once or twice daily as part of your skincare routine.
• Store the toner in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.
• The recommended usage level of Sodium Citrate in cosmetic formulations typically ranges from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the desired pH and the specific product type.
• When formulating, always start with a lower concentration and adjust as needed, carefully monitoring the pH of your product.
• Ensure the Sodium Citrate is fully dissolved in the aqueous phase of your formulation for optimal performance.