Citric Acid

Citric acid in its natural form is made from the juices of some citrus fruits.

Lemons contain the highest amounts of citric acid, followed by fruits like grapefruits and oranges.

However, commercially prepared citric acid is made through a fermentation process, usually with molasses as a primary ingredient.

Common uses of Citric Acid

Citric acid is a useful ingredient in many products. Citric acid is often added to soft drinks, and provides a tart flavor. Citric acid also helps stabilize oils, as well as any product that has been canned (such as fruit preserves).

Citric acid is also a natural preservative as well as an all natural water softener. Citric acid can be added to laundry soaps to reduce the need to additional water softeners.

Citric acid is a main ingredient in effervescent tablets, such as those commercially sold to prevent and treat heartburn.

Citric Acid in Crafts

Citric acid is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and aromatherapy products. Citric acid is used in bath products, like bath bombs, as well as scent diffusers that are popular aromatherapy products. Citric acid helps to create the fizz in the bath bombs, which allows the scents you have added to the bath bombs to be released.

To make your own bath bombs for an invigorating and refreshing aromatherapy experience, you will need the following:

• ½ cup sea salt
• ¾ cup citric acid
• 1¼ cup baking soda
• ½ Witch Hazel
• 20-40 drops Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils

Mix all dry ingredients together, and prepare mold. (You can use decorative soap molds, or Styrofoam egg cartons).

Add witch hazel and essential oils together in a spray bottle, using enough essential oil to reach the desired scent strength. Spray the mixture over the dry ingredients until the mixture begins to hold its shape, being careful not to add too much liquid. Put the mixture into your molds, and allow to dry overnight. Store in re-sealable plastic bags.

Citric acid can also be added to exfoliating cosmetics, as it works as a mild exfoliant naturally. Citric acid can also help extended the life of your home made cosmetics, just be sure to use the proper amount. Too much citric acid in shampoos can bleach the hair, since citric acid opens the hair shaft.

You can use lemon juice by itself as a way to naturally lighten hair, simply apply lemon juice throughout the hair, and let the sun lighten your hair.

The uplifting fragrance of the lemon is also a great way to energize!

Storing and Using Citric Acid

Keep citric acid in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. When you use citric acid powder, be careful not to inhale, ingest or get the powder directly onto skin or in your eyes. Citric acid can cause respiratory problems, as well as irritate the eyes and skin. If you inhale citric acid powder, call you doctor. If you get the powder in your eyes or on your skin, rinse the area immediately.