What Is Diammonium Citrate?
Diammonium citrate is the ammonium salt form of citric acid, a natural acid found in citrus fruits. In chemical terms it is known as diammonium hydrogen 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate. Manufacturers create it by reacting purified citric acid with ammonia, then drying the solution to a free-flowing powder or granule. The ingredient first showed up in food and beverage processing as a safe acidity regulator, and formulators later borrowed it for personal care because it can fine-tune product pH without harshness. Today you will spot diammonium citrate in facial cleansers, leave-on and rinse-off masks, lightweight moisturizers, anti-aging serums, hair conditioners, styling gels and even some color-cosmetic bases where a balanced pH keeps the formula stable and comfortable on skin.
Diammonium Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and haircare formulas diammonium citrate delivers two main functional perks:
- Buffering agent – Helps keep the product’s pH in the ideal zone so active ingredients work properly and the formula feels gentle, reducing the risk of irritation caused by pH swings
- Chelating agent – Binds to metal ions that sneak into the formula from water or packaging, preventing those ions from breaking down preservatives, fading colors or causing unwanted changes in texture or scent
Who Can Use Diammonium Citrate
Diammonium citrate is generally considered suitable for all common skin types including normal, oily, combination and dry because its main job is to steady pH rather than deliver an active punch that might overwhelm the skin. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it too since it is classified as low risk, though formulas with very high levels could still tingle on already compromised or freshly exfoliated skin.
The ingredient is produced from citric acid that can be sourced from either citrus fruits or sugar-fermented glucose and ammonia that is synthesized in a lab, so it is typically free of animal inputs, making it acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians. If you follow a strict cruelty-free lifestyle, check the finished brand’s animal testing policy rather than the raw material itself.
No specific warnings exist for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when diammonium citrate is used at the low concentrations found in cosmetics. Because hormone shifts can make skin more reactive, a doctor or dermatologist should still review any new product plan before use to stay on the safe side; this is information only, not medical advice.
Diammonium citrate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also water-soluble and easily rinsed, making it compatible with most cleansing or leave-on formats without leaving a heavy residue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical diammonium citrate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential issues but they remain uncommon for most users when the ingredient is used at cosmetic levels and blended correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive or broken skin
- Transient dryness if paired with other pH-adjusting acids in the same formula
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of true ammonium or citrate sensitivity
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally splashes into the eyes
If you experience any of the above reactions stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Diammonium citrate is a small, highly water-soluble salt that rinses away without leaving an oily or occlusive film on skin, so it does not block pores. It functions mainly as a pH buffer and metal ion binder, roles that do not involve coating the skin or adding heavy emollients. Because of this profile it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for those who are prone to acne or breakouts.
The only time pore issues might arise is if the ingredient sits in a very rich cream base that contains other comedogenic components, in which case the overall formula rather than diammonium citrate would be the culprit.
Summary
Diammonium citrate stabilises cosmetic formulas in two ways: it keeps pH within the target range so actives stay effective and comfortable on skin, and it chelates stray metal ions that could otherwise spoil texture, colour or preservative systems. Its water solubility lets it do this work invisibly and rinse clean.
While not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or retinol, it appears quietly in a wide array of cleansers, moisturisers and hair products where consumers often overlook it yet benefit from the smoother texture, longer shelf life and balanced feel it helps deliver.
Safety data rate it as low risk with minimal irritation potential at the small percentages used in personal care. Still, skin can react unpredictably to any new formula, so perform a simple patch test when trying a product that contains diammonium citrate, especially if your skin is sensitive or compromised.