What Is Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate?
Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate is an oil-like liquid made from citric acid, a natural acid found in citrus fruits. Chemically it is known as Tris(2-ethylhexyl) 2-(acetyloxy)propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate. Manufacturers create it by reacting citric acid with specific alcohols, then adding an acetyl group that helps the final material stay stable and skin-friendly. This process yields a clear odorless ingredient that blends easily with oils and many cosmetic raw materials.
The beauty industry first explored citrate esters like this one as safer, more flexible options to replace older plasticizers in nail polish. Because it softens film-forming resins without strong odors or safety concerns, formulators soon tried it in other products. Today you can spot Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate in nail lacquers, long-wear makeup, sunscreens, flexible face masks, moisturizing lotions, balms and certain anti-aging creams where a smooth even layer on skin is desirable.
Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient supports both how a product feels and how it performs on skin.
- Film forming: Helps create a thin uniform layer on the skin or nail that locks in active ingredients and extends wear time for makeup and nail polish
- Plasticiser: Makes dried films flexible so they resist cracking or flaking which is key for comfortable long-lasting color cosmetics
- Skin conditioning: Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth thanks to its light lubricating touch
- Emollient: Adds slip and a silky texture to creams lotions and balms making them easier to spread while helping reduce water loss from the skin surface
Who Can Use Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate
Because it is lightweight non sensitising and non occlusive Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate is generally considered suitable for dry normal combination and oily skin types. Its silky slip can help dry skin feel softer while the flexible film it forms does not trap excess oil which is good news for those prone to shine. People with very reactive or fragrance sensitive skin usually tolerate it well since the ingredient is odorless and has a low irritation profile.
The material is produced from citric acid and laboratory made alcohols with no animal derived components so it fits vegan and vegetarian preferences as long as the finished product also meets those standards.
Current safety assessments have not flagged any specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at common cosmetic levels. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare or makeup product past a qualified health professional just to be safe.
Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and there are no special timing or layering rules when using daytime formulas that contain it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate can differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most consumers will not notice any of them when using a well formulated product.
- Mild local irritation Redness stinging or itching can occur in rare cases especially on compromised skin
- Contact allergy Very uncommon but a small number of individuals may develop a delayed hypersensitivity rash
- Eye discomfort If a product containing the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause temporary burning or watering
- Pore congestion Heavy multilayered makeup rich in film formers can occasionally feel too occlusive for acne prone users although the ingredient itself has a low comedogenic profile
If any of these effects are noticed stop use seek medical advice and share the product ingredient list with a healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate is a lightweight ester that spreads easily without forming a heavy, pore-blocking layer. Its molecular structure resembles many low-risk emollients used in oil-free formulas and it lacks the waxy chains that typically trigger breakouts. Real-world formulations and available safety data show few reports of acne flare-ups when it is present at normal cosmetic levels.
Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in modern lightweight bases such as gels, fluids or silicone-rich creams. Only if it is combined with other high-occlusion ingredients or used in thick multilayered makeup might congestion become more likely.
Summary
Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate acts as a film former, plasticiser, skin conditioner and emollient. It softens resin networks so nail polish and long-wear makeup stay flexible, creates an even film that locks in actives, adds a silky slip to creams and helps skin feel smooth with minimal greasy after-feel.
While not a household name, it is gaining quiet popularity among formulators who need a clean-smelling, vegan-friendly plasticiser that passes today’s safety and sustainability checks. You will most often spot it in nail lacquers, long-wear foundations and some modern sunscreen oils.
Current research and regulatory reviews find it safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics with a very low risk of irritation or sensitisation. As with any new skincare or makeup product, perform a simple patch test when first trying an item that contains Acetyl Triethylhexyl Citrate to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.