What Is Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate?
Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate is an ester of citric acid and mid-length fatty alcohols that have 14 to 15 carbon atoms. The citric part can be sourced from fermented sugar crops while the fatty alcohol portion usually comes from coconut or palm oil, though it may also be made in the lab. The ingredient first gained attention in the plastics industry as a safer plasticiser, then formulators noticed its gentle, flexible feel and began adding it to personal care products in the 1990s.
Manufacturers create it by heating citric acid with the selected fatty alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst. Water is removed during the reaction, leaving behind a smooth, clear liquid that blends well with oils and many other cosmetic ingredients.
You are most likely to find Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate in lightweight facial moisturizers, body lotions, sunscreens, hair conditioners, creamy makeup and leave-on treatments that aim for a silky after-feel without a greasy residue.
Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient helps a formula look, feel and perform better.
- Plasticiser: Loosens up rigid film-forming agents so a product spreads easily and dries without cracking. This gives flexible hold in styling gels and an even layer in sunscreens or makeup.
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves a soft, conditioned finish on the skin that boosts comfort and reduces the appearance of dryness.
- Emollient: Fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, smoothing rough patches and improving overall softness while helping seal in moisture.
Who Can Use Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate
Because this ester is lightweight and non-greasy it suits most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well since the molecule has a low irritation profile, though extremely reactive skin should still monitor how it feels in a new formula.
Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly when the fatty alcohol portion is sourced from plants like coconut or sustainably grown palm rather than animal fats. Reputable suppliers specify plant origin, so check the brand’s sourcing statement if this matters to you.
No studies have flagged risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their product lineup past a healthcare professional just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can even help stabilize sunscreen films, so there is no special photo-protection warning beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate can vary. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most people when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels and manufactured correctly.
- Temporary redness or tingling in very sensitive skin
- Clogged pores if layered with multiple heavy occlusives on acne-prone skin
- Contact dermatitis in the rare event of an individual allergy to fatty alcohols or citric derivatives
- Eye irritation if a product containing the ingredient migrates into the eyes
If you notice any persistent discomfort stop using the product and seek guidance from a medical professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate has a light molecular weight and a fluid texture that sit on the skin without creating a heavy, waxy film, so it is unlikely to block pores for most users. The fatty chains are mid length rather than long and waxy, which further lowers the chance of build-up. In addition, the citric backbone helps the ester remain more spreadable and less occlusive than pure oils or butters.
Overall this ingredient is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in lightweight lotions or serums.
Formulas that pair it with thick petrolatum, rich oils or heavy silicones could raise the combined comedogenic potential, so look at the full ingredient list if you are cautious about clogging.
Summary
Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate works as a plasticiser, skin conditioner and emollient. It softens rigid film formers so products glide on evenly, leaves a silky conditioned feel on skin and fills microscopic gaps between skin cells to smooth texture while helping retain moisture. Thanks to these multitasking perks formulators rely on it in moisturizers, suncare, hair care and creamy makeup, yet it remains a behind-the-scenes player rather than a headline ingredient so most consumers have never heard of it.
Current research and years of use show it is low risk with minimal irritation potential when used in normal cosmetic concentrations, with no known hormonal or environmental red flags. Still, everyone’s skin is unique, so it is wise to do a small patch test when trying any new product that contains this ingredient.