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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Citric Acid

  • Acids
  • CAS 77-92-9
  • IUPAC: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid

Citric Acid (CAS 77-92-9) appears in 9 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

Eye Irritation Cat 2 (H319) at concentrated form. Essentially non-toxic orally (LD50 5,400 mg/kg in mouse). Widely used food-grade acid. No Prop 65 listing.

Citric acid (CAS 77-92-9) is a naturally occurring tricarboxylic acid found in citrus fruits, produced industrially by microbial fermentation. It is widely used in cleaning products as a pH adjuster, mild chelating agent, and descaler.

Health profile: The GHS classification for concentrated citric acid is H319 (eye irritation Cat 2). At product-use concentrations, the primary concern is contact with mucous membranes and eyes. Essentially non-toxic by ingestion at relevant exposure levels. Not a skin sensitizer, not Prop 65 listed.

Environmental profile: Citric acid is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions. No aquatic toxicity classification at normal use concentrations. EPA Safer Choice approved ingredient. Naturally derived and widely accepted as environmentally compatible in cleaning applications.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
yes
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: pH-adjusting agent and mild chelating agent in cleaning products; lowers pH and helps sequester mineral ions

Common questions about Citric Acid

What is Citric Acid used for in car care?
pH-adjusting agent and mild chelating agent in cleaning products; lowers pH and helps sequester mineral ions
Is Citric Acid a VOC?
No. Citric Acid is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Citric Acid on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Citric Acid is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Citric Acid EPA Safer Choice certified?
Yes. Citric Acid is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

9 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.