What Is Dilaureth-7 Citrate?
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is a lab crafted ingredient derived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from coconut or palm oil. Chemists react lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide to attach an average of seven ethoxy units, then link two of these ethoxylated chains to citric acid, creating a diester. This gives the molecule both oil loving and water loving sections, a balance that makes it useful in many skin care formulas.
The compound first showed up in personal care research in the late 1980s when formulators were looking for milder surfactants and multitasking emollients. Its gentle cleansing action and silky skin feel quickly made it a staple in modern cosmetic labs. Production involves controlled temperature and pH steps to attach the ethoxy chains, followed by esterification with citric acid and careful purification to remove any unreacted materials.
You are most likely to find Dilaureth-7 Citrate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, cream and gel moisturizers, lightweight lotions, hair conditioners and rinse off masks. It also appears in baby care products and post shave balms, anywhere a brand wants a soft feel combined with mild cleansing power.
Dilaureth-7 Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings several helpful roles to a formulation
- Skin conditioning: Forms a thin, smooth layer on the skin that reduces roughness and leaves a soft touch
- Emollient: Helps fill in tiny gaps between skin cells, improving flexibility and giving a supple appearance
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and light makeup without stripping natural moisture, so products feel gentle yet effective
- Emulsifying: Allows water and oil based ingredients to mix evenly, which keeps creams and lotions stable over time and prevents separation
Who Can Use Dilaureth-7 Citrate
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its lightweight emollient nature suits normal, dry, oily or combination skin as it softens without leaving a greasy residue. Sensitive skin usually does fine because the molecule is considered mild, yet those with a history of reacting to ethoxylated ingredients should stay alert.
The compound is made from lauryl alcohol that comes from coconut or palm sources plus synthetic citric acid and ethylene oxide so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. There are no animal-derived components or by-products involved in standard manufacturing.
No data suggest that topical use poses risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in typical cosmetic concentrations. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all skincare choices with a qualified health professional.
Dilaureth-7 Citrate does not absorb UV light or make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also plays well with most common skincare actives, which makes formulation conflicts rare.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dilaureth-7 Citrate can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient stinging or itching
- Localized redness or rash in individuals with very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those specifically allergic to ethoxylated surfactants
- Excess dryness if used in high-foaming cleansers multiple times a day
- Eye irritation if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is largely water soluble and creates a lightweight, non-occlusive film so it is unlikely to clog pores. Its fatty portion is balanced by seven ethoxy groups and a citric acid backbone which keeps it from building up on skin. Most formulations use it at low levels and many of them rinse off, further lowering any pore-blocking risk. For these reasons it earns a low comedogenic score of 1 and is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind the finished product’s overall recipe matters; if the ingredient is paired with heavy butters or waxes the final formula could still feel greasy on very oily skin.
Summary
Dilaureth-7 Citrate acts as a skin conditioner, emollient, gentle cleanser and emulsifier. Its structure contains both oil love and water love which lets it spread smoothly, fill tiny gaps between skin cells, lift away dirt and help water and oil mix so creams stay stable.
While you may not see it called out on splashy marketing banners it is a quiet workhorse in cleansers, lotions, baby care and lightweight moisturizers where formulators want softness without heaviness. Usage data and decades of in-market experience show it to be low in irritation and low in comedogenicity, making it safe for most people. As with any new skincare product it is smart to do a small patch test first to make sure your individual skin agrees.