Cosmetic Raw Material

What is Citric Acid Monohydrate?

Citric Acid Monohydrate is a tricarboxylic acid naturally found in citrus fruits, produced commercially through fermentation processes. As a key member of the food preservatives category, this crystalline compound contains one water molecule per citric acid molecule (C6H8O7·H2O), making it particularly valuable for applications requiring controlled moisture content and enhanced stability.

Key Characteristics

• Chemical Formula: C6H8O7·H2O (containing one water molecule per citric acid molecule)
• Appearance: Colorless or white crystalline powder
• Multi-functional: Acts as preservative, acidulant, pH regulator, and antioxidant
• High Solubility: Excellent water solubility with temperature-dependent dissolution rates
• Dual Grade Availability: Food grade and pharmaceutical grade options

Our Citric Acid Monohydrate meets rigorous international standards with the following specifications:

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Assay (as C6H8O7·H2O): 99.5-101.0%
• Water Content: 7.5-9.0% (theoretical water content is 8.58%)
• Sulfated Ash: ≤0.05%
• Oxalates: ≤100 mg/kg
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤10 mg/kg
• Arsenic (As): ≤3 mg/kg
• Readily Carbonizable Substances: Meets USP/BP requirements
• Particle Size: 40-200 mesh (customizable based on application needs)

Solubility Characteristics

• Water Solubility: 54.0% (w/w) at 10°C, 59.2% (w/w) at 20°C, 84.0% (w/w) at 100°C
• Ethanol Solubility: Freely soluble
• Ether Solubility: Slightly soluble
• pH of 5% Solution: 1.8-2.0

Premium Quality Citric Acid Monohydrate with Consistent Crystal Structure

Key Benefits of Monohydrate Form

• Enhanced Stability: Water molecule in crystal structure provides better stability in humid conditions
• Controlled Solubility: Predictable dissolution rates ideal for pharmaceutical formulations
• Superior Buffering Capacity: Excellent pH control in citrate buffer systems (pH 3-5)
• Antioxidant Properties: Protects active ingredients from oxidative degradation
• Chelating Action: Binds metal ions to prevent catalytic degradation

Difference from Anhydrous Citric Acid

Unlike anhydrous citric acid (C6H8O7), our monohydrate form contains one water molecule (C6H8O7·H2O), making it particularly suitable for:

• Pharmaceutical Applications: Better compatibility with moisture-sensitive formulations
• Food Products: Enhanced stability in intermediate moisture foods
• Cosmetic Preparations: Improved texture and application properties

This makes it an excellent complement to other food additives in complex formulations requiring precise moisture control.

1. Determine Application Requirements: Identify whether using as acidulant, preservative, pH adjuster, or antioxidant
2. Calculate Proper Dosage: Typical usage levels: food applications 0.1-2.0%, pharmaceuticals 0.5-5.0%
3. Preparation Method: Dissolve in water at recommended temperatures for optimal solubility
4. Incorporation: Add to formulations during appropriate manufacturing stages
5. Quality Verification: Test pH, solubility, and compatibility with other ingredients
6. Storage Conditions: Store in airtight containers at room temperature, avoiding excessive moisture

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Effervescent Tablets: Provides controlled reaction with carbonates for consistent effervescence
• Syrups and Elixirs: Acts as pH adjuster and preservative in liquid formulations
• Topical Preparations: Enhances stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients
• Anticoagulant Solutions: Used in blood collection tubes as citrate anticoagulant

Food & Beverage Applications

• Beverage Industry: pH adjustment and flavor enhancement in soft drinks and juices
• Dairy Products: Acidulant in cheese production and yogurt formulations
• Confectionery: Provides tart flavor in candies and controls sugar crystallization
• Preserved Foods: Extends shelf life in jams, jellies, and canned products

Industrial & Cosmetic Uses

• Cleaning Products: Effective descaling agent for removal of mineral deposits
• Cosmetic Formulations: pH adjuster in skincare products and hair care preparations
• Water Treatment: Used for pH correction and as chelating agent

• Enhanced Product Stability: Monohydrate form provides better stability in various environmental conditions
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets international pharmacopoeia standards for global market access
• Cost Efficiency: High purity reduces dosage requirements and improves production economics
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses
• Technical Support: Comprehensive application guidance and formulation assistance
• Quality Assurance: Batch-to-batch consistency ensures reliable manufacturing results

When used alongside other premium ingredients like L Theanine or Psyllium Husk Powder, our citric acid monohydrate enhances overall formulation stability and performance.

Our Citric Acid Monohydrate complies with the most stringent international standards:

• USP/BP/EP: Meets United States Pharmacopeia, British Pharmacopoeia, and European Pharmacopoeia standards
• FDA GRAS: Generally Recognized as Safe for food applications
• ISO 9001: Quality Management System Certification
• ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System
• HACCP: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point compliance
• Kosher & Halal: Religious compliance certifications available
• REACH: Compliant with European chemical regulations

We offer tailored solutions to meet specific client requirements:

• Particle Size Customization: Various mesh sizes from fine powder to coarse crystals
• Packaging Variants: Bulk bags, drums, or customized packaging solutions
• Grade Selection: Food grade, pharmaceutical grade, or technical grade options
• Blending Services: Pre-mixed formulations with other functional ingredients
• Documentation Support: Customized certificates of analysis and compliance documentation

Our citric acid monohydrate is manufactured through a controlled fermentation and crystallization process:

1. Raw Material Selection: High-quality carbohydrate sources including molasses or corn syrup
2. Fermentation: Controlled microbial fermentation using Aspergillus niger strains
3. Recovery and Purification: Separation and purification from fermentation broth
4. Crystallization: Controlled crystallization to form monohydrate crystals
5. Drying and Sizing: Precision drying to achieve optimal moisture content and particle size distribution
6. Quality Control: Comprehensive testing for purity, heavy metals, and microbiological parameters
7. Packaging: Hygienic packaging under controlled environmental conditions

What Our Clients Say

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, Germany: "CNCSBIO's citric acid monohydrate consistently meets pharmacopoeia standards. The monohydrate form provides excellent stability in our effervescent tablet formulations."
• Beverage Company, USA: "We've switched to their monohydrate form for better solubility control in our beverage concentrates. The quality is superior to other suppliers we've tried."
• Food Processor, Japan: "The consistent particle size and purity make this product ideal for our applications. It works perfectly with our Table Stevia Sweetener Powder in reduced-sugar product lines."

Q1: What is the main difference between citric acid monohydrate and anhydrous citric acid?

A: The key difference is water content. Monohydrate contains one water molecule per citric acid molecule (C6H8O7·H2O), while anhydrous is water-free (C6H8O7). Monohydrate offers better stability in humid conditions and controlled solubility, making it preferred for pharmaceutical and certain food applications.

Q2: Is citric acid monohydrate safe for pharmaceutical use?

A: Yes, pharmaceutical grade citric acid monohydrate is widely used in drug formulations. It meets USP, BP, and EP standards and is recognized as safe for pharmaceutical applications when used according to established guidelines.

Q3: How does solubility change with temperature?

A: Solubility increases significantly with temperature: 54.0% (w/w) at 10°C, 59.2% (w/w) at 20°C, and 84.0% (w/w) at 100°C. This temperature-dependent solubility is important for formulation development.

Q4: Can citric acid monohydrate be used in organic products?

A: While citric acid occurs naturally, commercial production typically involves fermentation. Its acceptability in certified organic products depends on specific certification standards. We can provide documentation to support organic certification applications.

Q5: What is the shelf life and storage recommendations?

A: When stored in airtight containers at room temperature away from moisture, citric acid monohydrate has a shelf life of 36 months. Proper storage prevents caking and maintains product quality.

Q6: How does it compare to other acidulants in food applications?

A: Citric acid monohydrate offers a clean, tart taste and excellent preservative properties. It's often preferred over other acidulants due to its natural profile and multifunctional benefits as both a preservative and flavor enhancer among food preservatives.

Ready to Source Premium Citric Acid Monohydrate?

Contact CNCSBIO today for competitive bulk pricing, product samples, and comprehensive technical support. As leading suppliers of high-quality Food Additives and natural sweeteners, we're committed to helping you achieve superior product performance and market success.