This section provides an overview for citric acid as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 33 citric acid manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked citric acid companies as of December, 2024: 1.ChemQuest International, Inc., 2.Vigon International, 3.E & C Chemicals Inc..
Table of Contents
Citric Acid is an organic acid found in citrus fruits and is a type of hydroxy acid with three carboxy groups (-COOH).
It is a clear colorless or white solid, and is available in two forms: anhydrous crystals containing no water molecules, and monohydrate with a single molecule of crystalline water. Both are odorless and have an acidic taste.
Citric Acid appears in the middle of the TCA circuit (citric acid circuit), which breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy substances, and performs important functions. It also has antibacterial properties and the ability to absorb calcium.
Citric Acid is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, industrial, and cosmetic applications, depending on its purity.
Citric Acid for pharmaceutical use is used as an ingredient in preparations for the purpose of buffering, correcting taste, and foaming.
Edible Citric Acid is added to a variety of foods as an acidulant that imparts a fruity sour taste and as a vitamin C stabilizer. It is also used as a dietary supplement to relieve fatigue, reduce muscle pain, increase appetite, and improve liver function.
Furthermore, citric acid is useful as a pH adjuster because of its acidic nature. By adjusting the pH of food, it can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and improve shelf life.
Citric Acid for industrial use is used to clean calcium carbonate, which causes water stains, due to its property of absorbing calcium. It also neutralizes and removes alkaline stains, making it possible to dissolve and remove soap scum.
It is also used in bath salts and bath bombs.
Citric Acid for cosmetics is used as a pH adjuster, pH buffer, and astringent, taking advantage of its acidic nature. The pH of the skin is slightly acidic (pH 4.5-6), and a change in pH causes skin irritation. pH adjusters can be added to products to maintain a slightly acidic pH.
Astringent action refers to the effect of tightening pores and inhibiting excessive secretion of sweat and sebum.
In addition to citric acid, other acidic substances commonly used are aluminum chloride, alum, and zinc sulfate.
Citric Acid is represented by the chemical formula C3H4 (OH) (COOH) 3, has a molecular weight of 192.13, and is a white, odorless crystal or crystalline powder.
It has a flash point of 100°C, a melting point of 153°C, no boiling point, a decomposition temperature of 175°C, an ignition point of 1010°C, and an explosive range of 1.9 vol/% lower and 4.8 vol/% upper. Its density is 1.665 g/cm3 and pH of 2% aqueous solution is about 2.0.
With a solubility of 59.2 g/100 g (at 20°C), it is extremely soluble in water and highly hygroscopic. It is also soluble in ethanol.
Although stable under normal handling conditions, it may react violently when in contact with strong oxidizing agents or strong alkaline agents. In addition, its aqueous solution is acidic, and thus has a high potential to corrode metals.
It decomposes at 175°C and converts to aconitic acid. If mixed with air at a certain rate in powder form, there is a risk of dust explosion.
Citric Acid is a very safe compound, as it is used for both food and cosmetic applications. On the other hand, it is a strong eye irritant and can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities, so care should be taken when handling it to avoid contact with the eyes and inhalation of large quantities.
When handling citric acid, wear protective gloves, protective clothing, protective glasses, and a protective mask, and work in a well-ventilated area. It is important to wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Keep the storage area clean to prevent product contamination, and store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. Since the product is highly hygroscopic, the container should be sealed and stored in a dry place to avoid moisture absorption.
Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, strong alkaline agents, and metals, which are hazardous substances that can cause color mixing, and store in polyethylene, polypropylene, glass, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Vigon International is headquartered in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and is a subsidiary of Azelis. The company is a custom manufacturer of fragrances and flavor products used in cosmetics, food processing, and related industries. The company’s compounds originate from dozens of fruits, herbs, and spices grown in regions as diverse as California, Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia. The company’s custom processing capabilities include adding reaction flavors such as Maillard in batches from 1 to 5,000kg, vacuum distillations, essential oil folding and concentration, and emulsion production.
Based in Bayville, NY, SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp. is an ISO-certified supplier and manufacturer of industrial equipment, chemicals, components, ordinance, electronics, and systems for industries ranging from aerospace to high tech to law enforcement. Examples of product offerings include raw materials, chemicals, and lubricants for industrial purposes to finished products such as security helmets for law enforcement, and military ordnances. SAE also provides research and development as well as technical support for other companies in similar industries.
Palm Commodities International, Inc., founded in 1978, is a supplier of metals and chemicals and a manufacturer of electroless nickel grade liquid nickel sulfate, liquid sodium hypophosphite, rare earth chemicals such as cerium acetate, chloride and nitrate, and lanthanum acetate. The metal anodes the company supplies include nickel, zinc, cadmium, copper, and tin for electrolytic plating. The Nashville, Tennessee, company serves the battery, catalyst, mining water treatment, and electronic industries. The company is ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a subsidiary of Umicore USA Inc since 2013.
E & C Chemicals Inc., founded in 1993, is an American manufacturer based in Carrollton, Georgia, specializing in chemical blending of liquid and dry products. The company's facility is equipped with blending tanks, ranging from 100 to 10,000 gallons in capacity, alongside ribbon blenders, suitable for both small and large batch custom dry material production. This enables the packaging of finished products into drums, bags, super sacks, and multi-compartment tank trucks. Some of the company’s products include aluminum sulfate, calcium chloride, urea, and aluminum sulfate. These diverse offerings cater to various industries, including agriculture, food and beverages, chemicals, sanitation, and water treatment.
Delta Products Group, founded in 1996, is a US biodegradable liquid descaler product manufacturer located in Aurora Illinois. The company began as Apex and Delta Engineering in 1938 but was separated into Apex Engineering and Delta Products Group by the company’s two successors. Delta expanded overseas in 2003 to service Australia, Asia, and Europe. The company’s products include biodegradable liquid descalers, specialty cleaning, petro cleaning, and pump system solutions. The products are utilized in the medical, military, retail, manufacturing, and construction industries.
ChemQuest International, Inc., founded in 2007, is an American manufacturer and supplier of chemical ingredients, based in Hanover Park, Illinois. The company's product categories include emulsifiers, thickening agents, preservatives, anti-microbial agents, as well as hair and skin conditioners, oils and waxes, emollients, and surfactants. The company also offers polysorbate 20, an emulsifier and detergent used in domestic, scientific, and pharmacological settings, as well as henoxyethanol, a preservative that curbs bacterial growth in cosmetic products. These products serve diverse sectors, including food additives and nutrition, personal care and cosmetics, paint and coatings, agriculture, as well as animal care and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical Store Inc. is a Clifton, New Jersey-based chemical manufacturer and supplier that ships worldwide. The company has a division known as the Rosin Factory, which handles the production of its rosin, dried pine resin, products. Chemical Store’s products further range from salts, acids, and metal powders to waxes and lab supplies. The company’s customer base is varied, serving manufacturers, schools, hobbyists, and research laboratories. It provides several compliance certificates, such as Kosher, gluten-free, Non-GMO, vegan, and organic certificates for its products upon request.
Lily Products of Michigan Inc., headquartered in Michigan, USA, has been a manufacturer and distributor of cleaning and chemical products since 1968. The company initially distributed Oxine, a chemical oxidizing agent and disinfectant used in various applications, including water treatment, disinfection, and sanitation. Since then, the company has expanded its product range beyond all-purpose cleaners to serve multiple industries. These include parts washing and corrosion inhibition, paint pre-treatment, food processing and beverage, and more. The company holds ISO9001:2015 certification, maintaining quality standards in its manufacturing processes and products.
TRInternational Inc., founded in 1994 and headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, is a supplier of ingredients, raw materials, and services in North America. Its diversified product portfolio includes chemicals, rubber, and paints used in industries like metalworking, water treatment, and industrial cleaning. It has over 20 stocking and import points across the United States and offers additional services like custom manufacturing, contract packaging, and proprietary formulation. The company is SBA, WOSB, and LGBTBE certified, and in 2018, it was ranked number 70 in the Top 100 Chemical Distributors in North America.
The Chemical Company (TCC) was founded in 1988 in Jamestown, Rhode Island. TCC is a distributor of chemicals, composites, and plastics. TCC strategically sources materials to provide customers with secure product supply to ensure longterm supply security. TCC’s product categories include C.A.S.E. (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers) such as adipic acid and casein, flame retardants such as dicyandiamide and calcium chloride, silanes, acid such as boric acid and citric acid, water treatment such as melatonin and nicotinamide, intermediates such as acetone, fertilizer & crop nutrition such as ammonium sulfate, and polymer additives such as resorcinol and zinc borate.
MIDSCI was founded in 1983 as Midwest Scientific in the state of Missouri. The company distributes unique brands and products for several industries and sectors including scientific research, molecular biology, cell and tissue culture, PCR, and benchtop equipment. The company's products include tools, components, and machines. Machines include cold storage refrigerators, freezers, DNA and RNA purification kits, and hoods. Tools and components include balances, vinyl gloves, protein markets, and TPP plastics.
G.J. Chemical is a family-owned company based in Newark, New Jersey. G.J. Chemical serves chemical distributors, laboratories, and a variety of end users with high purity chemical products and custom services. G.J. Chemical capabilities include testing, bulk storage, custom blending, liquid bulk handling, and purifying. G.J. Chemical’s chemical products include reagents, acrylate monomers, hand sanitizers, and isopropyl alcohol. These are made to USP, FCC, Reagent ACS, military grade, and other standards.
Finoric LLC, established in Beasley, Texas, in 2010, is a manufacturer that offers chemical solutions for hydraulic fracturing and coiled tubing operations. The company offers services such as hydraulic fracturing services, utilizing advanced equipment and engineered fluid systems to maximize well productivity in oil, Coiled Tubing Operations to optimize wellbore integrity, Pressure Pumping, and Frac and Coil Support Services. The company serves industries including Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, Shale Gas and Tight Oil and Geothermal Energy.
Coolants Plus, Inc., founded in 1987 and headquartered in Anaheim, California, is a wholesale supplier of industrial coolants, lubricants, and specialty chemicals. Their product range includes metalworking fluids for cooling and lubricating metalworking tools, cutting fluids for cutting tool maintenance, lubricants to minimize friction and wear, and specialty chemicals for cleaning, degreasing, and rust prevention. They provide conventional, synthetic blend, full-synthetic, Dexos1TM, heavy-duty diesel, non-detergent, 2-cycle/4-cycle, or marine Starfire lubricants.
ChemCeed, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a worldwide chemical supplier that is ISO 9001 certified. It provides chemicals like base oils, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty esters used in several industries, including construction, paper manufacturing, and water treatment. It also provides a broad selection of support services, including labeling, repackaging, and logistical support. The company stocks its products in several locations around the United States, including Chicago (IL), Philadelphia (PA, and Piscataway (NJ). In 2016, it received WBE certification and was NACD verified in 2023.
Bulk Apothecary was founded in 2010 in Streetsboro, Ohio. The company is a distributor of natural ingredients and essential oils used in the cosmetic, food, and hobby industries, as well as by individual consumers. The company’s basic offerings include oils, waxes, soap bases, botanicals, and herbs that customers can buy as is or as kits to create homemade soap, potpourri, and other personal care products. The company also offers private label-ready supplies and wholesale supplies and supplements for commercial and high-volume purchases.
Twin Specialties Corp. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The company is a distributor of lubricants, metalworking fluids, cleaners, rust preventatives, and absorbent materials. Together with its sister company, Gemini Disposal Services, the company offers LTL-style service to smaller waste generators to ensure waste is taken away and treated in compliance with all local and national regulations. The company offers specialized services in eluding custom-blended formulations of cleaners and lubricants for customers with specific needs.
KeenBolden LLC, established in 2021 with headquarters in the USA, is a distributor of various intermediate chemical products used in the manufacturing of numerous consumer and industrial products to commercial and industrial clients worldwide. The company's products include pharmaceuticals for the healthcare industry, cosmetics for the beauty industry, lubricants, resins, paints, and fluids for the automotive industry, among many others. KeenBolden LLC also offers comprehensive supply chain solutions for the specialty, commodity, and intermediate chemical markets.
ChemUniverse, Inc. is a privately owned and operated specialty chemical provider that was founded in 2019.They are headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. They sell a wide range of chemicals, including amyl benzoate, naphthalene, pyridine, anethole, isoamyl benzoate, and many others which have different purposes. For instance, Amyl benzoate is a flavoring ingredient found in foods and perfumes while Naphthalene is a moth repellent and a component of various industrial solvents. They offer their services to customers looking for specialized or unique products and offer custom synthesis services to produce items that aren't already in their inventory.
Bisley International, LLC is a multinational marketer and distributor of industrial raw materials, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The company serves several industries including agrochemicals, metallurgy, construction, food & beverage, and oil well drilling. The company produces trace elements and additives for the agrochemical industry. For metallurgy, the company produces specialty allows, raw materials, and consumables. For construction, the company produces raw materials for concrete and plaster. For oil well drilling, the company produces products for extracting and well cementing.
Allan Chemical Corp., established in 1984, is a distributor of specialty chemicals and raw ingredients such as Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Ammonium Carbonate, Calcium CHrolide Dihydrate, Caffeine anhydrous powder, and ferrous ammonium sulfate used in ceramics & glass, screen printing, cosmetics & personal care, laboratory industries, food & beverage, and fragrance industries. The company in Margaret King Avenue Ringwood, New Jersey, is ISO 9001 certified, and the products conform to quality standards such as Halal, EP, ACS, FCC, and Kosher.
Merck, started in 1668 and based in Darmstadt, Germany, is a supplier of solutions and services for research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical and biotechnological drug therapies. The company serves the life science industry and has a broad portfolio of 300,000 products, including biopharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial microbiology, reagent, life science research, and water purification products. It is available in 66 countries, brings together six brands, and has several ISO certifications, including ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO 50001.
Hibrett Puratex, based in Pennsauken, New Jersey, is a distributor of commodity chemicals and a custom manufacturer of specialty chemicals. Its product portfolio comprises industrial commodity chemicals, industrial cleaning compounds, and wastewater treatment chemicals. The company serves the private labeling, auto detailing, and wastewater industries and also provides several chemical processing services, including compounding, blending, and packaging for industrial applications. The company has a temperature-controlled 20,000 sq ft warehouse and can make bulk deliveries of up to 1500 gallons. It complies with regulatory agencies like OSHA, DHS, and EPA and offers dry and liquid blending.
Henwil Custom Chemicals, founded in 2005, is a manufacturer of private-label and custom-blended chemicals for water clarification, odor control, dust control, solidification, and deposit control applications. The products are cationic polymers, defoamers, calcium chloride, citric acid, and coagulants used in plastic recycling, boiler or cooling systems, oil & gas, industrial, and transportation industries. The Newell, PA, company offers services for toll manufacturing, custom blending, bulk breaking, private labeling, and warehousing. The company is a member of the Association of Water Technologies.
Ebrator Biochemicals, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of fine chemicals and life science materials for use in the pharmaceuticals, biotech, and healthcare industries. Founded in 2018 and based in Santa Ana, California, the company provides various biological stains and dyes, analytical agents, impurities, and DNA cloning materials for applications in diagnostics and scientific research. The company’s specialized product range includes amino acids and carbohydrates, ACS reagents, plasmids and restriction enzymes. Ebrator Biochemicals, Inc. also offers custom synthesis and packaging services for its clients, which include Quest Diagnostic, Pfizer, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Nacalai Tesque Inc., founded in 1846 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of research chemicals, fine chemicals, diagnostics, and the related instruments. Some of its products include cytokines, nucleic acid electrophoresis, cell dissociation reagents, and sialic acid-related products, and it also offers custom and bulk service for bulk reagents and cell culture media. The company has more than 50 domestic distributors and several worldwide, including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. It is ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 certified, while the Kyoto South brand and Tesque factory are ISO 14001 certified.
Reagents, established in 1997 and headquartered in New York, USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of laboratory chemicals and reagents. Serving academic institutions, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and other industries, the company offers a diverse range of products that encompass organic and inorganic chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, plastics, water treatment, and more. They provide biological stains and indicators for laboratory applications like cell culture and DNA analysis, along with culture media ingredients for microbial growth. Their product portfolio also caters to applications in batteries, pigments, and catalysts. Reagents' comprehensive offerings support education, research, and manufacturing processes across various sectors.
Noah Chemicals Corporation was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company is a distributor of advanced materials and specialty chemicals for industries such as aerospace, agriculture, nuclear, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The company’s product categories include inorganic, evaporate materials, intermediates, rare earths, and ceramics. The company’s services include trial burns to help customers protect the environment, custom fertilizer development to produce more environmentally efficient fertilizers, and custom clean in place chemicals for equipment sanitization.
CJ Chemicals is headquartered in Howell, Michigan. The company is a distributor and import supplier of the chemicals industry, storing a broach repository of more than 350 different chemicals. The company operates in four segments: warehousing & storage, shipping, import/export, and lab capabilities. Warehousing is done in the company’s warehouse in Toledo, Ohio at its 50,000 square foot facility. Shipping services include LTL and full truckload shipping nationwide. Import/export services serve global customers and suppliers. Lab capabilities including reverse engineering, formulating custom tailored products, technical support, and manufacturing of custom blends.
Chemworld.com was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia. The company is a stocking supplier of specialty chemicals, cooling water chemicals, and water treatment equipment to customers around the world in industries including water treatment, food processing, metalworking, and manufacturing. The company offers hundreds of varieties of chemicals ranging from essential oils to anti-freeze, as well as equipment ranging from small motorized ball valves to boiler piping to chemical feeders and coolers. The company offers special large-volume order options for customers with limited storage capabilities as well as drop shipping support for OEM equipment that requires chemical support.
PK Chem Industries Ltd., based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is a distributor of diverse chemicals, founded in 2004. The company provides chemicals, additives, preservatives, and ingredients for the cosmetic, personal care, food, pharmaceutical, feed, agriculture, and mining industries. Its product range includes Aloe-Vera, Carbomer 940, 980, 2010, and Isopropyl Alcohol. Notably, PK Chem is RSPO Certified, operating for sustainable palm oil production and to mitigate environmental and community impacts in palm oil-producing regions.
Barentz was founded in Amsterdam in 1953 and expanded to Avon, Ohio where its American headquarters is today. Barentz is a specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor that, with the acquisition of Maroon Group in December 2020, has a global reach in distributing chemicals to life sciences and broader specialty chemical industries. Barentz has seven product divisions including nutrition, plastics, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Within these, the company distributes, various chemical additives, intermediates, minerals, and odor counteractant compounds.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | ChemQuest International, Inc. |
16.1%
|
2 | Vigon International |
12.7%
|
3 | E & C Chemicals Inc. |
8.5%
|
4 | Henwil Corporation |
6.8%
|
5 | SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp |
6.8%
|
6 | Delta Products Group |
5.9%
|
7 | Lily Products of Michigan Inc. |
5.1%
|
8 | Palm Commodities International, Inc. |
4.2%
|
9 | Ebrator Biochemicals Inc. |
3.4%
|
10 | The Chemical Co. |
2.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the citric acid page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 22 | 91.7% |
Japan | 1 | 4.2% |
Canada | 1 | 4.2% |
2 products are listed.
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