Triethyl citrate
Triethyl citrate is significantly less risky than aluminium
Triethyl citrate is a clear liquid that is very soluble in oil. TEC in deodorants can prevent unpleasant perspiration odour from forming over time. In this case, the substance acts as a kind of enzyme blocker that inhibits the formation of the bacterial enzymes that are responsible for sweat decomposition. However, the natural skin flora is gently spared in the process, and tolerance is usually extremely good. Triethyl citrate is primarily used in natural organic deodorants. Conventional deodorants, on the other hand, still often rely on aluminium salts that are supposed to constrict the sweat ducts. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), such products should only be used in moderation. The European Food Safety Authority has determined a maximum tolerable intake level for aluminium, which is already exceeded by daily use of such deodorants. Thus, natural deodorants with triethyl citrate are a much healthier alternative, especially since the effect of such products can also be considered positive. TEC has been classified as harmless, the risk of skin irritation and intolerance is considered negligible. In combination with other active ingredients, excellent performance can be achieved with deodorants, which can certainly be reported as having a 24-hour long-term effect, even though these products do not contain any aluminium salts.
Triethyl citrate – other advantages
Triethyl citrate is also a denaturant for organic alcohol in natural cosmetics and is recognised by all common natural cosmetics labels. This means that denaturing with unique perfume oils and the critical phthalates can be dispensed with.
Cosmacon has also found in its own test series the very good dissolving properties for crystalline UV filters. Thanks to this property, the light, less sticky triethyl citrate can now also be used in sun protection formulations. In this product category, it has the advantage of being a solvent and has the odour-reducing property of decomposing sweat.
We are happy to work with these triethyl citrate-containing raw materials:
| Name | Supplier | INCI Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEOTEC | Jover Scientech SL | Triethyl Citrate | |
| PELEMOL TEC | Phoenix Chemical, Inc. | Triethyl Citrate | |
| dermofeel TEC eco | Evonik | Triethyl Citrate | |
| Triethyl Citrate (TEC) | Mamta Polycoats | Triethyl Citrate | |
| Vercare ELLEGANT | Jover Scientech SL | Propylene Glycol Diheptanoate , Triethyl Citrate | |
| dermosoft decalact liquid MB | Evonik | Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate , Triethyl Citrate | |
| BENTONE GEL PTM V | Elementis | Phenyl Trimethicone , Disteardimonium Hectorite , Triethyl Citrate | |
| BENTONE GEL DM5 V | Elementis | Dimethicone , Disteardimonium Hectorite , Triethyl Citrate | |
| BENTONE GEL VS1 V | Elementis | Trisiloxane , Disteardimonium Hectorite , Triethyl Citrate | |
| Natpure Sol Crystal | SENSIENT BEAUTY | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside , Water , Diisopropyl Adipate , Triethyl Citrate | |
| BENTONE GEL LC V | Elementis | C9-12 Alkane , Disteardimonium Hectorite , Triethyl Citrate | |
| dermosoft decalact deo MB | Evonik | Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate , Triethyl Citrate , Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil |
Conclusion: TEC is in principle harmless
Deodorants should always be free of critical chemistry. Triethyl citrate is an effective yet gentle enzyme blocker that acts as an odour inhibitor and has also been classified as extremely harmless. The substance is used in natural organic deodorants and makes the use of harmful aluminium salts unnecessary.
Feel free to ask us if we may use triethyl citrate for your products.
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