What Is Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate?
Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate is a synthetic ingredient crafted by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) units to trimyristyl citrate, a molecule formed from citric acid and myristyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from natural fats and oils such as coconut or palm kernel oil. The “5” in its name indicates that an average of five ethylene oxide units are linked to each molecule, giving the final material a balanced mix of water-loving and oil-loving parts.
Chemists began exploring PEG-modified fatty esters in the late twentieth century as a way to improve the feel and spreadability of creams and lotions. Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate entered cosmetic labs as formulators searched for emollients that leave skin soft without a heavy residue. The production process typically involves esterifying citric acid with myristyl alcohol to form trimyristyl citrate, followed by controlled ethoxylation where ethylene oxide is reacted with the ester under heat and pressure. The resulting substance is a soft, semi-solid material that blends easily into both water-based and oil-based phases.
You will most often find Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate in facial and body moisturizers, nourishing masks, anti-aging creams, makeup primers and after-sun lotions. Its ability to smooth and soften skin while helping formulas feel light makes it popular in leave-on products, yet it can also appear in rinse-off cleansers to add a conditioned feel after washing.
Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate mainly for its skin-loving texture benefits.
As an emollient, it spreads over the skin surface to fill in rough patches and create a soft, smooth feel. This helps reduce visible dryness, improves overall skin comfort and enhances the slip of a cream or lotion so it glides easily during application. Because it is partly water-soluble, it lends a lighter finish than many traditional oils, making products feel breathable rather than greasy.
Who Can Use Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate
This emollient is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Its light texture suits oily and combination skin because it softens without a greasy after-feel, while the smoothing effect helps dry or mature skin feel more comfortable. Sensitive skin usually does fine with it, yet anyone with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol derivatives should proceed carefully.
Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate is considered vegan friendly. The fatty alcohol used in its manufacture is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernels rather than animal fats and no animal-derived materials are added during processing.
Current safety data do not flag any issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, however this is not medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should show any cosmetic product they plan to use to their healthcare provider to be sure it fits their individual situation.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common actives like retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate vary between individuals. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, although most users experience none when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation or stinging, especially on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or itching linked to a personal sensitivity or allergy to PEGs
- Rare contact dermatitis in people with multiple cosmetic allergies
- Possible eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Very low risk of clogged pores in highly acne-prone skin types
If any discomfort, persistent redness or swelling occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate is a lightweight PEG-modified ester that blends partial water solubility with a low level of oiliness. Its molecules are too large to slip easily into pores and they rinse away more readily than heavier plant butters or mineral oils, so the risk of pore blockage is minimal. This makes it generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially when used in well-balanced formulas. As with any emollient, extremely congestion-prone skin could notice an occasional bump if the overall product is rich or layered with multiple occlusive ingredients.
Summary
Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate is primarily an emollient that softens, smooths and improves the spreadability of creams, lotions and makeup primers. Its balanced water-loving and oil-loving structure lets it condition skin without leaving a greasy film, adding a silky after-feel to both leave-on and rinse-off products.
Although not the most famous emollient on the shelf, it appears steadily in modern moisturizers and masks because formulators appreciate its light touch and versatility in both oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems.
Current safety reviews rate it as low-risk with rare incidences of irritation or allergy. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Peg-5 Trimyristyl Citrate to be sure it suits your individual needs.