Triethyl citrate is an ester of citrate. It is a colorless, odorless liquid used as a food additive, emulsifier and solvent (E No. E1505) to stabilize foam, especially as a whipping aid for egg whites. It is also used in pharmaceutical coatings and plastics.
Triethyl citrate is also used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and similar plastics.
Triethyl citrate has been used as a pseudo-emulsifier in e-cigarette liquids. Its function is essentially similar to that of lecithin used in food products, but has the possibility of vaporization that lecithin does not have.
other names
- Ethyl citrate
- E1505
- Ethyl citrate
- Triethyl citrate
| boiling point | 294℃ |
| melting point | -55℃ |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Solubility | partially soluble in water |
| viscosity | low |
serial number
CAS No. 77-93-0
EC number 201-070-7
food use
Triethyl citrate is used as a flavoring agent, solvent and surfactant in foods. Triethyl citrate is an ester of citrate. It is a colorless, odorless liquid used as a food additive (E No. E1505) to stabilize foam, especially as a whipping aid for egg whites.
Skin care cosmetics use
Triethyl citrate is a versatile ingredient widely used in the personal care industry. Its original form is a clear, colorless oily liquid. Triethyl citrate is often added for its oil-controlling properties, which help maintain healthy skin and hair. It also helps increase the viscosity of some formulas, resulting in a richer texture that's easier to apply. Additionally, triethyl citrate is a good solvent and fragrance that can mask the odor of other ingredients present in the formula.
Triethyl citrate has a variety of uses in the personal care and cosmetics industries. It's very effective as an ingredient and can be found in a range of different products, such as serums, moisturizers, deodorants, lipsticks, primers, and more.
- Cosmetics: As a plasticizer, it enhances the spreadability and texture of products. Additionally, it acts as a solvent, facilitating the mixing of other ingredients. Triethyl citrate is also a fixative that helps prolong the scent of perfumes and colognes.
- Skin Care: It has oil-controlling properties, making it a great choice for skin care, especially for oily skin. Prevents surface blemishes and acne while keeping it clean and healthy
- Hair Care: It is a moisturizing ingredient that moisturizes hair and gives it shine and luster. It also enhances the spreadability of hair care products and ensures even product distribution
Triethyl citrate can be extracted naturally from plants or synthesized in the laboratory. It is generally produced by the esterification reaction of citric acid and ethanol. In this process, citric acid and ethanol are mixed together in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction results in the formation of triethyl citrate and water as by-products. The resulting triethyl citrate is then purified to remove impurities and obtain the desired quality.
Popular product types containing this ingredient:
- Concealer
- Hair spray
- Antiperspirant/Deodorant
- shampoo
- conditioner
- Moisture Cream
- Facial Moisturizer/Treatment
- casual sunscreen lotion
- facial cleanser
- Shower gel/facial cleanser
Other uses
The manufacture of some pharmaceutical coatings and plastics involves the use of triethyl citrate, which acts as a plasticizer for natural resins and cellulose derivatives. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one example.
Triethyl citrate has been used as a pseudo-emulsifier in e-cigarette liquids. It acts as a stabilizer in much the same way that lecithin does in many foods, but has the potential to evaporate, making it suitable for this unique application.
