Triethyl Citrate

CDF Triethyl Citrate

A versatile multifunctional ester that enhances deodorant performance, improves sensory feel, and elevates modern cosmetic formulations.

INCI: Triethyl Citrate

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid.

Solubility: Soluble in alcohols, many esters, and oils; partially soluble in water.

Typical Use Level: 1–20%

CDF Triethyl Citrate is a naturally derived citrate ester widely used in premium cosmetic and personal care formulations. It functions as a lightweight emollient, solvent, deodorant active support ingredient, and formulation enhancer while contributing a clean, elegant skin feel.

Unlike heavier emollients, Triethyl Citrate delivers a light, non-greasy finish while helping improve spreadability and sensory performance. Its excellent compatibility with fragrances, deodorant actives, UV filters, polymers, and many cosmetic ingredients makes it one of the most versatile specialty esters available to formulators.

What It Does

CDF Triethyl Citrate is especially valued in deodorant systems where it helps reduce the formation of odor-causing compounds on the skin. Beyond deodorants, it serves as an excellent carrier and performance enhancer in skincare, haircare, fragrance, and color cosmetic applications.

Key Benefits

• Provides a lightweight, non-greasy emollient feel.
• Excellent solvent for many cosmetic ingredients and fragrance materials.
• Widely used to support deodorant efficacy.
• Improves spreadability and application aesthetics.
• Helps reduce tackiness in finished formulations.
• Compatible with many natural and synthetic ingredient systems.
• Enhances sensory elegance without heaviness.
• Useful in both water-based and anhydrous formulations.
• Naturally derived from citric acid.

Suggested Use Levels

• 1–3% for sensory enhancement and solvent support.
• 3–8% in skincare, haircare, and fragrance applications.
• 5–15% in deodorants and specialty personal care systems.
• 10–20% in anhydrous formulations and solvent blends.

Ideal Applications

• Natural and conventional deodorants
• Body sprays and fragrance products
• Hair serums and styling products
• Facial serums and moisturizers
• Anhydrous skincare formulations
• Sunscreen systems
• Color cosmetics
• Fragrance concentrates
• Specialty solvent systems

Formulation Notes

• Can be incorporated into both oil and alcohol-based systems.
• Excellent fragrance carrier and solvent.
• Often paired with Zinc Ricinoleate in deodorant formulations.
• Compatible with many esters, silicones, hydrocarbons, and cosmetic oils.
• Provides a lighter sensory profile than many traditional emollients.

One of the most useful multifunctional esters in modern formulation, offering a rare combination of sensory elegance, deodorant performance, and solvent versatility.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)