Citric acid esters: a gentle alternative in deodorants
Citric acid esters, like triethyl citrate are produced by esterifying ethanol with citric acid and are used as versatile carriers and stabilisers in deodorants, pesticides and foodstuffs. In the EU, citric acid esters are approved as a food additive under the designation E 1505. In the food sector, it may only be used for flavourings and egg white powder.
Citric acid esters are significantly less risky than aluminium
They are clear liquids that are highly soluble in oil. In deodorants, citric acid esters can prevent unpleasant sweat odours from developing over time. The active ingredient acts as an enzyme blocker, inhibiting the formation of the bacterial enzymes that are primarily responsible for the decomposition of sweat. The natural skin flora is gently protected, resulting in very good skin tolerance.
Citric acid ester is mainly used in natural organic deodorants. Conventional deodorants, on the other hand, often still rely on aluminium salts, which constrict the sweat ducts. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), however, such products should only be used in moderation. The European Food Safety Authority has set a limit for aluminium intake, which can be quickly exceeded with daily use of aluminium-containing deodorants.
Natural deodorants containing citric acid ester are therefore a healthier alternative, especially as they are also effective. The substance is considered harmless and the risk of skin irritation or intolerance is extremely low. In combination with other natural active ingredients, excellent deodorant performance can be achieved – often with 24-hour effectiveness – and all without aluminium salts.
Triethyl Citrate – Physico-Chemical Profile
INCI Name: Triethyl Citrate
Chemical Name: Citric acid, triethyl ester
CAS Number: 77-93-0
EINECS/EC Number: 201-070-7
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₀O₇
Molar Mass: 276.28 g/mol
Physical Appearance
- Form: Clear, oily liquid
- Color: Colorless to pale yellow
- Odor: Slight, faintly fruity
Solubility
- Water: Slightly soluble
- Alcohols: Miscible
- Oils/Fats: Miscible
Density & Viscosity
- Density (20 °C): ~1.135 g/cm³
- Dynamic Viscosity (20 °C): ~18–25 mPa·s
Thermal Properties
- Melting Point: ~ –46 °C
- Boiling Point: ~ 294 °C at 1013 hPa
- Flash Point: ~ 160 °C (closed cup)
Stability
- Chemically stable under normal storage conditions
- Hydrolyzes slowly in the presence of water and acids/bases
pH (10% solution in water): ~6–7
Applications
- Cosmetics: Deodorant active (enzyme inhibitor), emollient, plasticizer in hair and nail products
- Food: Flavor carrier (E1505)
- Technical: Plasticizer for polymers, stabilizer in various formulations
Our experience with raw materials containing citric acid ester
We regularly work with high-quality raw materials based on citric acid ester:
| 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: Citric acid ester is a safe choice for natural deodorants.
Deodorants should be free from problematic chemicals. Citric acid ester is an effective yet gentle enzyme blocker that reliably inhibits odour formation and is considered particularly skin-friendly. It is ideal for natural organic deodorants and makes aluminium salts unnecessary.
💡 Your next successful deodorant product
If you want to develop an effective, aluminium-free deodorant, we are your partner for tailor-made formulations with citric acid ester. We supply innovative, safe and skin-friendly formulations – tailored to your requirements.
Feel free to ask us – we will advise you free of charge!
Would you prefer to get started quickly? Then use our ready-made white label deodorants with citric acid ester via our partner Tojo Cosmetics and launch your own product on the market immediately.
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