What Is Triethyl Citrate?
Triethyl citrate is a clear, almost odorless liquid made by joining citric acid, a natural acid found in citrus fruit, with ethanol. This simple union creates an ester that stays stable when mixed with oils and water, a trait that makes it handy in cosmetic formulas. First used in the food world as a safe additive during the early 1900s, chemists soon noticed its gentle scent and flexible texture and began adding it to perfumes and nail products. Today manufacturers create triethyl citrate by heating citric acid with ethanol in the presence of a small amount of acid, then washing and distilling the mixture until the final liquid is pure and colorless.
You can spot triethyl citrate in many personal care items. It appears in deodorants and body sprays for its freshening ability, in perfumes as a carrier for fragrance oils, in nail polish to keep the film flexible, in hair sprays to stop flakes, and in creams, masks and lotions where a light scent and smooth feel are desired.
Triethyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas triethyl citrate serves more than one purpose, giving product developers a versatile tool.
- Fragrance: It adds a soft, citrus-like note that freshens a blend without overpowering other aromas
- Perfuming: Acts as a carrier that helps dissolve and spread fragrance oils evenly so the scent lasts longer on skin or hair
- Plasticiser: Keeps films such as nail polish or hairspray flexible which reduces cracking and flaking and improves overall wear
Who Can Use Triethyl Citrate
Thanks to its gentle nature and light texture, triethyl citrate suits most skin types including sensitive, oily, dry and combination. It does not clog pores and rarely triggers irritation, so even reactive complexions can usually tolerate it when blended into well-formulated products.
The ingredient is produced by chemically joining citric acid derived from plant sources with ethanol that is often made from corn or sugarcane, so it contains no animal derivatives. This makes it appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety assessments consider topical triethyl citrate safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a healthcare professional before use to stay on the safe side.
Triethyl citrate does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, and no special daylight precautions are necessary beyond routine sun protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ between individuals. The points below outline possible side effects of topical triethyl citrate, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at normal levels in a properly made product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those with a specific sensitivity to citrates
- Eye irritation if the liquid or a spray containing it gets into the eyes
- Temporary respiratory discomfort when inhaled from aerosol products in poorly ventilated areas
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 – Triethyl citrate is considered non-comedogenic because it is a lightweight ester that evaporates or is absorbed without leaving an oily residue, so it does not block pores or feed acne-causing bacteria. This makes it suitable for people who are prone to breakouts.
No data suggest the ingredient interferes with sebum production or alters skin flora, and its use levels in cosmetics are typically low, further reducing any clogging potential.
Summary
Triethyl citrate serves three main jobs in cosmetics: it adds a subtle fresh scent, dissolves and carries fragrance oils so perfume notes are released smoothly, and softens film-forming products such as nail polish or hairspray to keep them flexible. It achieves these tasks thanks to its small molecular size, its ability to blend with both oils and water and its gentle volatility.
While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or retinol, triethyl citrate is quietly popular behind the scenes, showing up in many deodorants, body sprays and nail products where consumers enjoy its benefits without even noticing it.
Current research and industry reviews class it as a low-risk ingredient with rare reports of irritation. That said, each person’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains triethyl citrate, especially if your skin is sensitive.