What Is Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone?
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone is a water-soluble salt derived from naringenin, the natural flavonoid found in citrus peels, that has been chemically linked with carboxymethyl groups to improve stability and skin affinity. Developed in the early 2010s by cosmetic chemists looking to harness the antioxidant flair of citrus compounds without the stickiness of raw extracts, it soon found its way into premium skincare lines. The ingredient is produced through a controlled reaction in which purified naringenin is treated with chloroacetic acid under alkaline conditions, then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the tetrasodium salt. The resulting powder is pale yellow, free flowing and dissolves quickly in water-based formulas. You will most often see it in moisturizing gels, soothing sheet masks, lightweight anti aging serums and after-sun lotions where a calm, conditioned skin feel is desired.
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main role in skincare comes down to one thing: skin conditioning.
As a skin-conditioning agent it helps the outer layer of skin feel softer and look smoother by binding moisture to the surface, supporting a supple appearance and offsetting tightness that can follow cleansing or sun exposure. Because it is both water friendly and gentle it works well in leave-on products, adding a light silky finish without clogging pores or leaving a greasy film.
Who Can Use Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone
This ingredient is considered friendly for most skin types. Its lightweight water-soluble nature makes it comfortable on oily and combination skin while the moisture-binding effect can lend relief to normal and mildly dry skin. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well because it lacks common fragrance allergens and harsh solvents. Extremely dry or barrier-compromised skin should pair it with richer emollients since the sodium content may pull a bit of water from the surface if used alone in a very thin formula.
The raw material is synthesized from citrus-derived naringenin and basic mineral salts, with no animal by-products involved, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No published data flag it as unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically at cosmetic levels. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have a quick word with a healthcare professional before introducing any new skincare product.
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it will not boost the risk of sunburn. Standard daily SPF is still advised for overall skin health.
The ingredient plays nicely with most other actives. It is stable across the typical pH range of leave-on products and does not reduce the effectiveness of retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could happen, though they remain uncommon when the ingredient is used at the low percentages found in finished products.
- Transient redness or warmth immediately after application
- Mild stinging on very freshly exfoliated or compromised skin
- Dryness or tight feeling if the overall formula lacks follow-up emollients
- Contact irritation in individuals already sensitive to citrus-related compounds
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as persistent itching or small bumps
If any of the above symptoms appear and do not settle within a short time discontinue use and seek medical guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone is highly water soluble and lacks oily or waxy residues that typically clog pores. Its molecules stay on the skin surface to bind moisture instead of seeping into follicles where blockages form. A small amount of sodium can draw water outward which may cause fleeting tightness but not comedones. In practical use it performs similarly to other low weight humectants such as glycerin so it is considered acne friendly.
Suitable for those prone to breakouts thanks to its low pore clogging potential.
No data suggest it interacts with sebum oxidation or changes in skin microbiome that could indirectly spark pimples.
Summary
Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone is mainly a skin conditioning agent that softens and smooths by pulling water to the outer layer and creating a light protective film. The flavonoid backbone offers a mild antioxidant boost while the added carboxymethyl groups keep it stable and readily absorbed into water based formulas.
It shows up mostly in boutique serums masks and after sun gels rather than mass market creams so its popularity is still niche but growing as brands seek gentler plant derived actives.
Current research and ingredient reviews rate it as low risk for irritation or pore blockage when used at cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare product a small patch test on the inner arm or jawline is wise before full application just to make sure your individual skin agrees with it.