How to Make a 50% Citric Acid Solution
Lise
Today we’re going to get busy making a simple but quite useful 50% citric acid solution.
This is a handy thing to have in stock when you need a pH adjuster that will effectively lower the pH of your emulsion, toner, gel, or whatever other water-based product you are working on.
It is even handier and super easy to use if you can find a dispenser like the one pictured below. (I’m still looking for a supplier of these inserts – they are super useful for delivering small, measured amounts so if you know where I can find them, please feel free to pop a comment in below)
I admit I am usually a bit on the lazy side when it comes to this kind of thing and will generally order from an ingredients supplier.
But.
There are times when the ingredients happen to be right at hand and delivery times are waaay longer than desired. These days, things seem to be that way.
Shall we get started?
Ingredients
Citric acid (food grade is ok)
Demineralized water
Method
Boil the water and let it cool (some might argue this step can be skipped)
Weigh up 50 gr of citric acid
Weigh up 50 gr of water
Slowly add the citric acid to the water and stir until thoroughly dissolved.
Transfer this mixture to a 100ml dark glass or PET plastic container.
Top up with water until the volume is 100ml
Shake, label (and date).
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
The shelf life of this is approximately 1 year from date of production.
Do Tell
Do you make your own citric acid solution or do you prefer to buy it?
Below: my latest book shows you how to adjust the pH of your emulsions.
