Sodium Citrate
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Trisodium Citrate · E 331
What it is
Sodium citrate is simply citric acid that has been neutralised with sodium. Paired with citric acid it forms a buffer system that resists pH drift as a product ages or is exposed to air, and it also binds a little calcium and magnesium from hard water.
What it does well
Keeps pH steady across the product's shelf life
A citric acid/sodium citrate buffer holds pH in a narrow band, which keeps preservatives effective and acidic actives predictable over time.
Strong evidence
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Not restricted for cosmetic use in the EU; it appears in no Annex of the Cosmetics Regulation and is also a food additive (E 331).
Masks that contain Sodium Citrate
Anua
PDRN Serum Mask 100 Hyaluronic Acid Capsule
43rd of 45 on the label
below ≈1%
Anua
Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask
35th of 44 on the label
below ≈1%
Be Routine
Tuchmasken Granatapfel Multipack
24th of 32 on the label
below ≈1%
Caudalie
Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask
14th of 33 on the label
below ≈1%
Dr.Jart+
Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Pro + Hyaluronic Acid
24th of 25 on the label
below ≈1%
Garnier
Pure Active 3-in-1 Charcoal Wash, Scrub & Mask
9th of 25 on the label
below ≈1%
Garnier
SkinActive Hyaluronic Acid Barrier Repair Serum Tissue Mask
20th of 25 on the label
below ≈1%
Garnier
SkinActive Pro-Retinol Tissue Mask
19th of 24 on the label
below ≈1%
hautsache
Gesichtsmaske Brightening
22nd of 33 on the label
below ≈1%
Ishizawa Lab
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Face Mask
13th of 15 on the label
below ≈1%
LuLuLun
Precious Face Mask Moist (Red)
24th of 26 on the label
below ≈1%
MIZON
Joyful Time Essence Mask Green Tea
12th of 26 on the label
below ≈1%
Neutrogena
Anti Pickel Gesichtsmaske 2in1
19th of 23 on the label
below ≈1%
Schaebens
Gesichtsmaske Kollagen Boost
21st of 27 on the label
below ≈1%
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Hyaluron
21st of 23 on the label
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Jelly Ceramide
28th of 29 on the label
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Kollagen Boost
25th of 27 on the label
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Kollagen Hydrogel
24th of 27 on the label
below ≈1%
Schaebens
Tuchmaske Vitamin C
19th of 19 on the label
below ≈1%
SOME BY MI
Daily Beta Panthenol Repair Mask
25th of 57 on the label
below ≈1%
The Beauty Mask Company
Bubble Glow Tuchmaske Crazy Cactus
14th of 25 on the label
below ≈1%
The Beauty Mask Company
Tuchmaske Berry Love
12th of 16 on the label
below ≈1%