Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Citrate

Also listed as: Trisodium Citrate

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, a mild, fruit-derived acid. It mainly works as a buffer that keeps a formula's pH steady. It is on the label of 100 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Sodium Citrate does

Buffers pH to keep formulas steady
Binds calcium and magnesium in water
Supports stability of the finished formula

Sodium citrate starts with citric acid, the sour compound found in citrus fruit. Most citric acid used today is made by fermenting sugar with a mold, and it is then reacted with a sodium base to form this salt. The result is a white, odorless powder that dissolves easily in water.

Formulators use it mainly as a buffer. It helps hold a product's pH in a steady range, so texture and preservatives keep working as intended over time. It also binds calcium and magnesium in hard water, which can help shampoos lather more freely and leave less film on hair. In the finished product it adds no scent and no feel of its own, so it stays in the background.

Good for

Suits nearly all skin and hair types. It is a low-key helper in everyday products, found in many gentle formulas.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium citrate safe for skin?

Sodium citrate is generally well tolerated and shows up in many gentle, everyday products. It is the salt of citric acid, a common fruit-derived acid. If you have a known sensitivity to citrus-derived ingredients, patch test first or ask a dermatologist.

Is sodium citrate the same as citric acid?

No. Citric acid is the acid itself, while sodium citrate is its salt, made by adding a sodium base. The salt is milder and works mainly as a buffer, holding pH steady. Citric acid can feel tingly on sensitive skin. Formulators often choose the salt for that reason.