TRIETHYL CITRATE (Triethyl citrate) – function in cosmetics

An ester of citric acid used in deodorants and as a solvent.

What it is

Triethyl citrate is the ethyl ester of citric acid. In deodorants it is used to reduce odour formation; it also serves as a solvent, fragrance fixative and plasticiser in nail products.

Where it is used

Found in deodorants, perfumes and nail polishes.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

A deodorant does not reduce sweating; antiperspirant effects come from other ingredients such as aluminium salts.

Functions

Fragrance

Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.

Plasticiser

Softening and making supple synthetic polumers that otherwise could not be easily deformed, spread or worked out.

Solvent

Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

Perfuming

Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.

Deodorant

Reducing and/or eluminating unpleasant odour. Contributing against the formation of malodour on body surfaces.

TRIETHYL CITRATE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (497)