What Is Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate?
Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate is a lab-created ingredient made by joining fatty alcohol derived from stearic acid with citric acid, then attaching a small chain of five ethylene oxide units. The result is a waxy, pale substance that melts into oils and creams with ease. Chemists first explored this blend in the late 20th century while searching for plant-friendly alternatives to heavier mineral oils. Its balanced mix of oil-loving and water-loving parts made it a natural fit for skin care formulas looking for a silky yet non-greasy feel.
The manufacturing process starts with stearyl alcohol usually sourced from coconut or palm oil. This alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide to add the “PEG-5” segment, then esterified with citric acid to give the citrate portion. The finished material is purified and pressed into flakes or pellets for easy handling in factories.
You will most often see Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate in moisturizers, face and body lotions, hand creams, lip balms, sunscreens, hair masks and styling creams. Brands like it because it blends water and oils smoothly, boosts the richness of a formula and leaves skin or hair feeling conditioned without a heavy film.
Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below is the main way this ingredient improves personal care products.
- Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin surface by filling in rough spots, which helps reduce the look of dryness and flakiness. It also adds slip to creams so they spread easily and feel luxurious during application
Who Can Use Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate
This emollient is generally gentle enough for all skin types. Dry and mature skin benefit most from its smoothing effect while normal and combination skin enjoy the silky texture it lends without feeling greasy. Oily or acne-prone users can usually use it too because it is lightweight compared with some other fatty alcohol derivatives though those highly sensitive to any rich emollients may wish to monitor how their skin reacts.
The raw materials are plant-derived so products using Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate are typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Still it is wise to check the overall formula because other animal-based ingredients might be present.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used topically at the low levels common in cosmetics. This is not medical advice so anyone who is expecting or nursing should confirm any skincare choice with a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used alongside daytime products including sunscreen. It is also odorless and nonvolatile which makes it friendlier to people who are bothered by strong scents.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues but they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin irritation: a small number of users may notice redness itching or a stinging sensation especially if their skin barrier is already compromised
- Contact dermatitis: very rare allergic responses can produce patches of rash or swelling in sensitized individuals
- Eye irritation: if products containing the ingredient accidentally get into the eyes they may cause temporary watering or mild burning
- Worsening of existing breakouts: people extremely prone to clogged pores might observe an uptick in blemishes if the rest of a formula is also rich or occlusive
If any discomfort or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate is made from stearyl alcohol, citric acid and a short PEG chain. The PEG part keeps the fatty section from forming a heavy film on skin which lowers the chance of blocked pores. Lab and industry data list it as low risk for comedones so it earns a 1 rather than a 0 because it still contains a long-chain fatty piece that could bother extremely reactive skin.
Most people who are prone to acne can use it without extra breakouts.
Its low rating also means formulators often pair it with richer oils to improve feel without pushing the full mix into pore-clogging territory.
Summary
Peg-5 Tristearyl Citrate is an emollient that smooths rough spots on skin and helps creams glide. It does this by filling tiny gaps on the surface and by adding a soft slip that feels silky instead of greasy.
You will see it in a fair number of moisturizers, sunscreens and hair masks but it is not as common as classic emollients like glycerin or shea butter. Brands pick it when they want a lightweight, plant-based touch that blends water and oil phases with little fuss.
Current studies show it is safe for topical use at the levels used in cosmetics with only rare irritation reports. As with any new product it is smart to do a small patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.