Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become embedded in contemporary business practice; however, its effectiveness increasingly depends on whether stakeholders perceive CSR initiatives as authentic. This study systematically reviews prior research on CSR authenticity to examine how it operates within commercial contexts to influence stakeholder outcomes. Drawing on 70 peer-reviewed studies identified through a structured Scopus-based search protocol, the review synthesises the conceptual evolution, theoretical foundations, antecedents, outcomes, and boundary conditions of CSR authenticity. The findings indicate that CSR authenticity functions as a critical interpretive mechanism through which governance quality, consistency of actions, transparency, and credible impact shape stakeholder attitudes and behaviours, including trust, engagement, organisational citizenship, advocacy, and market-oriented responses. The literature predominantly conceptualises CSR authenticity as a mediating construct, while its roles as a moderator and dependent variable remain limited. Methodologically, research is dominated by cross-sectional designs and concentrated geographic contexts, constraining causal and contextual insights. By positioning CSR authenticity within commerce – encompassing governance, accountability, and stakeholder exchange – this review offers an integrated framework and outlines directions for advancing more credible and outcome-oriented CSR research and practice.