Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate?

Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate is a lab made ingredient that joins three familiar building blocks: lauric acid from coconut or palm kernel oil, citric acid found in citrus fruit, and small units of ethylene oxide often called PEG. Chemists link the lauric acid to citric acid to make trilauryl citrate, then attach about five PEG units to give the final water friendly molecule. This clever mix of oil loving and water loving parts lets it sit comfortably in both oily and watery phases, something formulators value when they want smooth stable products.

The PEG family began appearing in cosmetics in the 1940s, and by the 1970s brands were looking for lighter, non greasy skin feel. Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate fit that need, so it found a place in moisturizers and makeup where silky glide is prized. Today you will spot it in everyday lotions, face creams, sunscreens, creamy cleansers, foundations, hair conditioners, masks and even some lip products because it improves texture without heaviness.

Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate mainly acts as an emollient, meaning it softens and smooths the skin or hair surface. By filling in tiny gaps on the outer layer it leaves a supple, conditioned feel, helps cut down on moisture loss and makes products spread more evenly. This gives creams a luxurious slip, keeps makeup from looking patchy and lets cleansers glide without tugging the skin.

Who Can Use Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate

Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate is considered friendly for most skin types, including dry, normal and combination skin, because its light emollient action softens without a heavy greasy film. Oily or acne prone users usually tolerate it well since it is not highly occlusive, though anyone who reacts easily to fatty ingredients may prefer to monitor how their skin responds.

The raw materials are plant derived and the processing involves no animal by-products, so formulas featuring Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate are typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, check the full ingredient list of the finished product to be certain no other animal sourced components are present.

Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should ask their healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product just to be safe.

Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Users should still apply sunscreen daily as good practice.

No other special usage restrictions are noted for children or mature skin beyond standard cosmetic care.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet most people will never experience them if the product has been formulated correctly.

  • Mild skin irritation such as itching or stinging on very sensitive skin
  • Transient redness where the product is applied
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis for individuals already sensitized to PEG compounds
  • Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5. Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate is a small, partly water-soluble ester so it does not create a thick occlusive film that traps oil or debris in pores. Most lab data and anecdotal reports show little to no pore clogging even on oily skin, giving it a very low score.

This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the formula is also low in comedogenic ingredients.

Keep in mind that any finished product can behave differently depending on the full blend of ingredients and individual skin chemistry so overall pore-clogging risk is product specific.

Summary

Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate is a light emollient that smooths and softens skin or hair by filling microscopic surface gaps and improving spreadability. Its balanced oil-friendly and water-friendly structure lets it condition without greasiness, helping creams feel silky, makeup glide better and cleansers rinse clean.

The ingredient is moderately popular in modern formulations: not as common as classics like glycerin yet favored by formulators who want a non-heavy slip agent that works in both oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems.

Current safety reviews find it low risk for topical use with only rare irritation or allergy cases reported. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product containing Peg-5 Trilauryl Citrate before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.

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