Citric acid
Citric acid is a natural organic acid widely found in citrus fruits and produced industrially through fermentation. It is valued for its sour taste, strong chelating ability, and excellent pH‑adjusting properties. Citric acid is used extensively in food and beverages as an acidulant, preservative, and flavor enhancer. It also plays important roles in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and industrial cleaning due to its ability to bind metal ions and improve stability.
In the market, citric acid is available in two main forms: monohydrate and anhydrous. Citric acid monohydrate contains one molecule of crystal water, giving it a slightly larger particle size and better flowability. Anhydrous citric acid contains no water, making it more stable in dry formulations and suitable for applications requiring low moisture.