Citric acid dosage

Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid naturally present in many fruits, particularly citrus fruits. It is used in a wide range of industries for its acidifying, antioxidant, chelating, and pH-regulating properties. Classified as an additive (E330) in the food industry, it also plays a key role in the formulation of food supplements, cosmetics, and technical products.

Citric acid measurement is essential for ensuring formulation compliance, monitoring the stability of finished products, and validating raw material specifications. It is a routine but strategic physicochemical analysis, as many technical parameters (pH, preservation, chemical interactions) depend on it.

Analytical methods: titrimetry, HPLC, ion chromatography

Depending on the complexity of the matrix and the desired detection thresholds, several analytical techniques can be implemented for the determination of citric acid:

• Titrimetry: simple and robust method, suitable for pure formulations or routine controls (simple formulas, drinks, syrups).
• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography): more specific method, suitable for complex mixtures or formulations containing several organic acids.
• Ion exchange chromatography (IC): method of choice for complex matrices, particularly in the presence of other organic anions (lactates, tartrates, malates, etc.), or in technical products.

Each technique is chosen based on analytical needs, matrices to be analyzed and regulatory or customer requirements.

Matrices involved in citric acid analysis

The dosage of citric acid is relevant in a wide variety of products from the food, nutraceutical, cosmetic or technical sectors:

• Food products: drinks, syrups, confectionery, prepared meals, sauces
• Food supplements: effervescent powders, tablets, capsules, plant extracts
• Cosmetic products: creams, gels, lotions, pH-adjusted formulas
• Technical products: cleaning formulations, stabilized powders, solvents, specialized fluids

This diversity of matrices requires an adaptation of analytical protocols to guarantee reliable and reproducible quantification.

Why add citric acid to your products?

The dosage of citric acid meets several strategic objectives:

• Check regulatory compliance (e.g. maximum permitted levels for additives in foodstuffs or in food supplements).
• Control the stability of a formulation (pH and acid content influence the preservation, solubility and compatibility of ingredients).
• Validate a supplier specification (raw materials, concentrated extracts, batches of ingredients).
• Characterize a finished product in an R&D, quality or litigation context.

Since citric acid is a functional and technological marker, its dosage fits naturally into quality control plans, whether at material inlet or on finished products.

A network of certified laboratories for your analyses

YesWeLab rigorously selects its partner laboratories based on their analytical expertise, the matrices processed and their compliance with quality standards (ISO 17025, COFRAC, GMP, etc.). We offer:

• Reliable and fast services, adapted to your deadlines and volumes
• Validated protocols, with or without accreditation, according to your needs
• Personalized scientific support to define the right method according to your products and objectives

Analyses related to citric acid:

• Malic acid determination : a common organic acid in juices, purees and plant extracts, often analyzed in parallel with citric acid to assess the overall acid-base profile.
• Tartaric acid dosage : used as a supplement in matrices containing fruit, particularly grapes or wine or vinegar-based formulations.

Entrust your analyses to YesWeLab

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, brands, formulators, and design offices in managing their laboratory analyses. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from a single interface to centralize your requests, track your samples, and receive your results as quickly as possible.

Need to analyze citric acid in your products? Contact our scientific team for a personalized quote or technical advice tailored to your matrix.