What Is Distearyl Citrate?
Distearyl Citrate is a waxy ester created when citric acid is reacted with stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol sourced from vegetable oils like coconut or palm. The resulting molecule, technically named dioctadeceyl 2-carboxy-2-hydroxypentanedioate, has two long stearyl chains attached to a citric acid backbone. These long chains give it a rich, buttery feel that makes skin feel soft and cushioned.
Cosmetic chemists began exploring fatty citrates in the late twentieth century as they searched for plant-based alternatives to mineral oil derivatives. Distearyl Citrate proved useful because it offered the smooth spread of traditional emollients yet came from renewable plant feedstocks. Today manufacturers produce it in large batches through a straightforward esterification process: they blend purified citric acid with stearyl alcohol in the presence of heat and an acid catalyst, then purify the finished ester to remove any leftover reactants.
You will most often spot Distearyl Citrate in leave-on products where a plush skin feel is valued. Typical examples include facial and body moisturizers, night creams, lip balms, solid lotion bars, stick foundations, sunscreens and after-sun products. Its silky glide also makes it helpful in hair conditioning masks and color cosmetics that need a smooth pay-off.
Distearyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in formulas, giving chemists two clear advantages
- Skin Conditioning – It forms a flexible film on the surface of the skin that decreases moisture loss so skin feels smoother and more supple throughout the day
- Emollient – Its fatty chains fill in rough spots between skin cells which softens dry patches and improves the spreadability of creams making them feel richer without an oily residue
Who Can Use Distearyl Citrate
With its gentle fatty-acid base Distearyl Citrate suits most skin types, from dry and mature to normal and combination. Oily or acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well because it leaves a light cushiony finish rather than a greasy film, although very breakout-prone users may still prefer lighter textures.
The ingredient is derived from plant oils so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal-derived feedstocks or by-products are used in its standard manufacturing process.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Distearyl Citrate is used at the low percentages found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional.
Distearyl Citrate is not known to cause photosensitivity so daily sun exposure precautions do not need to change when using products that contain it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Distearyl Citrate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet these outcomes are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with a specific sensitivity to fatty esters or citric acid derivatives
- Clogged pores or minor breakouts in users who are extremely prone to comedones
- Transient eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
If any discomfort or reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Distearyl Citrate has long, flexible fatty chains that sit lightly on the skin and do not harden inside pores like some heavier waxes. It is considered low risk for clogging because it spreads thinly and forms a breathable film rather than a thick waxy layer. Most formulators use it at modest levels so it rarely builds up.
Suitable for acne-prone users who tolerate lightweight emollients but very blemish-prone individuals may still prefer to monitor their skin when trying a new product.
As with any emollient the total formula matters. A product heavy in other comedogenic oils could still trigger breakouts even if Distearyl Citrate itself is low risk.
Summary
Distearyl Citrate is mainly valued for two jobs: it conditions skin by laying down a thin flexible film that reduces water loss and it acts as an emollient that fills tiny gaps between surface cells so creams feel smooth and cushy. Its plant-based origin, gentle feel and ease of formulation make it a handy choice for moisturizers lip balms and color cosmetics, though it is more of a supporting player than a headline ingredient so it is not as famous as hyaluronic acid or shea butter.
Current data show a strong safety profile with low irritation potential and minimal comedogenicity. Most people including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can use it without concern, yet it is always smart to patch test any new product to be sure your own skin agrees.