Citric Acid (Anhydrous)

citric acid is a weak organic acid in the form of fine white crystalline powder, naturally derived from corn through a fermentation process. It is one of the most widely used food-grade acids in commercial and home applications, valued for its clean sour taste, effective pH lowering properties and natural preservative action.

“Anhydrous” means the powder contains no water, distinguishing it from citric acid monohydrate. Anhydrous citric acid is preferred for dry-mix applications including bath bombs, effervescent tablets, dry cleaning formulations and spice blends because it is stable at room temperature and does not clump.

• Powerful Natural Preservative: Helps extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth, making it ideal for food preservation and beverage formulations.
• Effective pH Regulator: Widely used to control acidity levels in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products for consistent performance.
• Enhances Flavour in Food Applications:Provides a clean, tangy taste in beverages, confectionery, and processed foods.
• Ideal for Dry Mix Formulations: As an anhydrous citric acid, it contains no water, making it perfect for powdered blends, baking mixes, and effervescent products.
• Versatile Cleaning Agent: Acts as a natural descaler, effectively removing limescale, mineral deposits, and soap scum.
• Supports Skincare Formulations: Commonly used in cosmetics to adjust pH and as part of exfoliating formulations (AHAs) when properly diluted.
• Improves Product Stability: Helps stabilise active ingredients and prevents oxidation in food and cosmetic products.
• Multi-Industry Applications: Suitable for use in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and industrial processes.
• Vegan & Fermentation-Derived: Produced via fermentation, making it suitable for vegan and clean-label applications.
• Cost-Effective & Efficient: A highly concentrated ingredient that delivers strong performance with minimal usage.

Food and beverage:
– Natural preservative in sauces, jams, canned foods and beverages
– pH adjuster in home brewing, cheese making and fermentation
– Flavour enhancer providing a clean sour taste
– Essential ingredient in sour candies, effervescent drink mixes and confectionery

Bath and beauty:
– Core ingredient in bath bombs (with sodium bicarbonate) for the effervescent fizz
– pH adjuster in shampoos and conditioners to close hair cuticles
– Used in soap making to chelate mineral ions and improve lather
– Removes wax and mineral buildup from hair

Cleaning:
– Natural descaler for kettles, coffee machines and showerheads
– Removes hard water stains, limescale and rust without scrubbing
– Effective in kitchen and bathroom cleaning formulations
– Water softener in laundry detergents

Industrial and hobby:
– Leather preparation
– Natural metal cleaner for brass and copper
– Used in ceramics for glaze formulation

Is your citric acid food grade?

Yes, Range Products citric acid anhydrous is food grade and suitable for food preservation, baking, brewing and cheese making applications.

Is citric acid natural?

Yes. Commercial citric acid is produced by fermentation of corn using the mould Aspergillus niger. The resulting acid is chemically identical to the citric acid found in citrus fruit.

Is citric acid anhydrous safe for skin?

In formulated products at appropriate dilutions citric acid is safe for skin. In concentrated form the powder can irritate skin and eyes – handle with gloves and avoid inhaling dust.

What is the difference between anhydrous and monohydrate citric acid?

Anhydrous citric acid contains no water and is preferred for dry mix applications. Monohydrate contains one water molecule per citric acid molecule and is slightly cheaper. They are otherwise functionally similar.

Is citric acid vegan?

Yes. Commercial citric acid is produced from corn fermentation and is suitable for vegan applications.

What is the shelf life of citric acid anhydrous?

Stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, citric acid anhydrous has a shelf life of 3 years or more.