Ethyl citrate is most commonly encountered as triethyl citrate, the tri-ester of citric acid formed with ethanol. You’ll see it on cosmetic labels and in regulatory texts under that precise name. It is a colorless, nearly odorless liquid valued as a solvent, plasticizer, and processing aid. In consumer products, triethyl citrate appears in many deodorants where it helps curb body odor without aluminum salts, and in pharmaceutical coatings as a plasticizer that improves film flexibility. In foods, it is approved in the EU as additive E1505 for specific technical roles. Despite the “supplement-style” headline, ethyl (triethyl) citrate is not a nutritional supplement and does not have established health benefits when taken as a pill. Its relevance to consumers is practical: what it is, where it’s used, typical amounts in products, and what we know about safety.
Quick Facts: Ethyl (Triethyl) Citrate
- Helps deodorants reduce odor formation by limiting bacterial breakdown of sweat.
- Acts as a plasticizer and solvent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical films.
- Typical cosmetic use is in the low single-digit percent; patch tests show up to 20% was non-irritating in humans.
- Not an oral supplement; EU ADI for food use historically 0–20 mg/kg body weight/day.
- Avoid if you have a diagnosed allergy to citrate esters or react to multiple deodorants/cosmetics.
Table of Contents
- What is ethyl citrate?
- Does it have proven benefits?
- How to use and typical amounts
- Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Safety, side effects, and who should avoid
- Evidence and regulatory status
What is ethyl citrate?
Plain definition. In everyday product labeling and regulation, “ethyl citrate” nearly always refers to triethyl citrate (TEC)—the triester of citric acid (a natural metabolic acid) with ethanol. As a small, polar ester, triethyl citrate is liquid at room temperature and mixes well with many fragrance ingredients and polymer film-formers. Chemically, its structure gives it two identities that make it useful: it behaves like a solvent (helping other ingredients dissolve or disperse) and like a plasticizer (softening polymer films so they bend rather than crack).
Where you find it.
- Deodorants and body sprays: TEC is one of the most common “deodorant actives” in aluminum-free formulas. It helps slow the enzymatic processes that convert sweat components into odor molecules.
- Cosmetic films and nail cosmetics: As a plasticizer, it improves flexibility of nitrocellulose or acrylic films.
- Pharmaceutical coatings: It makes enteric or sustained-release coatings more pliable, reducing cracking during manufacturing and storage.
- Food technology (EU): Under the code E1505, triethyl citrate is authorized for defined technical functions (for example, as a carrier for flavorings or a whipping aid for dried egg white).
- Food contact materials: Certain citrate esters (especially acetylated derivatives) are prior-sanctioned plasticizers in food-packaging materials in the United States.
How it works in deodorants. TEC doesn’t block sweat glands (that’s the role of aluminum antiperspirants). Instead, it helps prevent odor formation. Bacteria on skin break down sweat components into volatile fatty acids and other odorants using enzymes (such as esterases and lipases). TEC, which can hydrolyze to citric acid on skin, helps lower local pH and interfere with these enzyme activities, reducing the conversion of sweat into malodor. Formulators often pair TEC with mild antimicrobials or odor-absorbing agents for broader coverage.
Metabolism and biodegradability. If TEC is absorbed in tiny amounts, the body’s esterases break it down into citric acid (a normal metabolite) and ethanol. The amounts generated from topical use or permitted food uses are very small compared with normal dietary exposure to both citric acid and ethanol. TEC is also readily biodegradable in the environment, which is part of its appeal as a “greener” plasticizer compared with many phthalates.
What it is not. It is not a vitamin, mineral, or ergogenic aid. There is no credible evidence that taking TEC orally as a supplement improves energy, fat loss, or performance. Its role is functional in formulations and packaging, not physiological.
Does it have proven benefits?
For personal care (deodorants):
Yes—practical, product-level benefits are well established. TEC is widely used in deodorants as a non-aluminum deodorizing agent. Surveys of products on the EU market show TEC among the most frequently used deodorant components in aluminum-free formats, indicating strong formulator confidence. In sensory (sniff) testing and field use, formulas that include TEC often score comparably to other non-aluminum deodorizing systems and can reduce odor perception for many hours when paired with a suitable base and fragrance system. Its appeal comes from three things:
- Mechanistic fit: By acidifying the microenvironment and disturbing enzyme-driven odor formation, TEC targets the cause of malodor rather than simply masking it.
- Compatibility: TEC is miscible with fragrance oils and many polymeric film-formers, making it easy to incorporate across sprays, roll-ons, and sticks.
- Cosmetic elegance: It is colorless, almost odorless, and generally non-sticky, preserving the feel of modern bases.
For pharmaceutical coatings and nail films:
In tablets and capsules, TEC functions as a plasticizer—it reduces film brittleness and improves adhesion and flexibility, which can help maintain dose integrity during transport. In nail lacquers, it softens the nitrocellulose film, improving chip resistance and comfort.
For foods (technical effects only):
Where permitted (e.g., in the EU), TEC’s documented technological functions are as a carrier for flavorings and as a whipping aid in specific egg white processes. These are process and texture benefits, not human performance or wellness effects.
No proven “supplement” benefits.
There are no validated human trials showing that oral ingestion of TEC (as a supplement) produces health benefits. You may see marketing claims that conflate TEC with citric acid’s role in metabolism (the Krebs or citric acid cycle). That is a misunderstanding: metabolic “citric acid” is not a rate-limiting factor you can boost by ingesting citrate esters. The body regulates these pathways tightly; extra citric acid precursors do not translate to meaningful energy gains.
Bottom line: TEC’s benefits are product-centric—better odor control in deodorants, improved film performance in coatings—not body-centric. If you’re shopping for an aluminum-free deodorant, TEC on the label is a good sign that the formula targets odor formation in a low-irritancy way. If you’re considering TEC as a pill, reconsider: the evidence base simply isn’t there.
How to use and typical amounts
Consumers (deodorants):
If you’re selecting an aluminum-free deodorant, look for “Triethyl Citrate” on the ingredient list. You’ll most often find it in:
- Sprays and roll-ons designed to deodorize rather than antiperspire.
- Sticks that pair TEC with odor-absorbers (e.g., zinc salts) or gentle bacteriostatic agents (e.g., ethylhexylglycerin).
- Fragranced products where TEC also helps dissolve and evenly release perfume components.
Typical use levels in cosmetics vary by base type, but many modern formulas keep TEC in the low single-digit percentages. Human patch-test data report no irritation even at 20% TEC in controlled settings, providing a comfortable safety margin for formulators. (Those patch-test conditions are not a usage recommendation—just evidence that skin tolerability is broad.)
Formulators (cosmetic):
- Function: Deodorizing active, solvent, mild plasticizer.
- Starting range: 1–5% in hydroalcoholic deodorant sprays and roll-ons; lower levels in sticks depending on wax/oil balance and required volatility.
- Synergies:
- Pair with odor-absorbers (e.g., zinc ricinoleate) to capture residual malodor.
- Combine with mild antimicrobials (e.g., ethylhexylglycerin) for broader odor control without harshness.
- Support with buffering systems that keep underarm pH mildly acidic (pH ~4.5–5.5) to complement TEC’s action.
- Processing tips: Add after heating phases when possible; verify compatibility with polymers, salts, and fragrance. Conduct stability at 4 °C / 25 °C / 40 °C and freeze–thaw due to its role in solvent balance.
Pharmaceutical technologists:
- Role: Plasticizer in enteric/sustained-release polymer coatings (e.g., certain methacrylate copolymers, cellulose derivatives).
- Screening: Evaluate film tensile properties (elongation at break), tack, and curing profiles with and without TEC. Typical plasticizer ranges vary by polymer; pre-screen at 10–30% w/w of polymer solids and optimize to minimize migration and brittleness.
Food technologists (EU focus):
- Role: Authorized as E1505 for specific technological uses (e.g., as a carrier for flavorings and a whipping aid for dried egg white), and historically authorized as a glazing aid for food supplement tablets. There is no consumer-facing “dosage”; use is governed by good manufacturing practice and category permissions.
- Regulatory note: The acceptable daily intake (ADI) historically set by the Scientific Committee on Food was 0–20 mg/kg body weight/day for triethyl citrate. Exposure from permitted uses tends to be well below that limit in worst-case scenarios.
If you’re a consumer asking “how much should I take?”
There is no recommended oral dose for health benefits because TEC is not a dietary supplement. Stick to its intended uses: as part of a cosmetic deodorant, or as an excipient/processing aid handled by professionals in foods and medicines.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Mistake 1: Treating ethyl citrate like a supplement.
Marketing sometimes blurs lines by implying TEC boosts energy production because citric acid participates in the Krebs cycle. That’s biochemical wordplay. The body’s energy pathways do not speed up in helpful ways when you ingest citrate esters; any absorbed TEC is quickly hydrolyzed, and your metabolism already has an abundant citric acid pool.
Mistake 2: Confusing deodorants with antiperspirants.
TEC-containing formulas reduce odor but do not reduce sweat. If your goal is drier underarms, you need an antiperspirant (usually aluminum salts). If your goal is odor control without aluminum, TEC is a smart ingredient to look for.
Mistake 3: Over-crediting a single ingredient.
While TEC can substantially reduce odor formation, overall performance depends on the base system (e.g., hydroalcoholic vs. anhydrous), fragrance selection, pH, and co-actives. A poorly balanced base can undercut TEC’s potential; conversely, well-balanced formulas can achieve long wear with modest TEC levels.
Mistake 4: Misreading safety signals.
Patch-test studies showing no irritation at 20% TEC in controlled conditions do not mean you should apply a 20% DIY solution to skin. Real-world skin comfort also depends on solvents, fragrances, and leave-on time. Irritation reports with finished products are often due to fragrance allergens or alcohol level, not TEC itself.
Mistake 5: Assuming “no data” equals “unsafe.”
Some consumers worry when they see a chemistry-sounding name. TEC has decades of use across cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals with a favorable safety profile at permitted levels. That doesn’t mean “risk-free”—nothing is—but it does mean current evidence supports its intended uses when well formulated.
Practical buying checklist.
- You want aluminum-free odor control → Look for Triethyl Citrate among the top-half ingredients, ideally alongside a mild antimicrobial and fragrance system you tolerate.
- You have very sensitive skin → Seek fragrance-free or low-fragrance formulas; TEC itself is typically well-tolerated, but perfume allergens often drive reactions.
- You need sweat reduction → Choose an antiperspirant; TEC is not the right tool for that job.
Safety, side effects, and who should avoid
Overall profile.
For its intended uses, TEC shows low acute toxicity, rapid hydrolysis by esterases, and good skin tolerability in human testing. In cosmetics, panel reviews have found TEC and closely related citrate esters safe as used, and regulatory frameworks in both the EU and US recognize its roles in foods and/or packaging at controlled levels.
Topical (skin) safety.
- Irritation: Controlled human studies report no irritation at concentrations up to 20% TEC under patch-test conditions.
- Sensitization (allergy): Allergic contact dermatitis to TEC appears to be rare. Guinea-pig sensitization has been reported under maximization conditions for some citrate esters, but human data for TEC are reassuring when used at cosmetic concentrations.
- Eyes and mucosa: Like most solvents/plasticizers, eye contact can sting and should be avoided. Avoid deliberate application to mucous membranes.
Oral exposure.
- Foods: In the EU, permitted uses and exposure estimates were set against a historical ADI of 0–20 mg/kg bw/day, with safety margins indicating negligible contributions from certain category expansions.
- Supplements: TEC is sometimes used as a glazing agent for supplement tablets; this is a technological use, not a nutrient. There is no established oral therapeutic dose and no evidence of health benefits from ingesting TEC itself.
Systemic metabolism.
If small amounts of TEC are absorbed, they are hydrolyzed to citric acid and ethanol, then enter normal metabolic pathways. In pharmacokinetic work on related acetylated citrate esters used as plasticizers, rapid esterase-mediated hydrolysis predominates, and parent compound exposure is low relative to metabolites.
Who should avoid or be cautious.
- Anyone with a documented allergy to citrate esters or who consistently reacts to multiple deodorants/cosmetics should exercise caution and consider patch testing under professional guidance.
- Individuals with very sensitive or barrier-impaired skin (e.g., active eczema) may prefer fragrance-free formulas and should introduce new products one at a time.
- Do not use TEC for off-label ingestion or DIY “supplements.” Its roles are technological and cosmetic, not therapeutic.
Drug interactions and special populations.
TEC is not a drug and does not have known pharmacologic interactions at consumer exposure levels. In cosmetics and foods, exposures are very low; standard prudence applies in pregnancy and breastfeeding (choose well-established products and avoid unnecessary experimentation).
Environmental note.
TEC is readily biodegradable and generally considered lower-impact than many legacy plasticizers when used in coatings and packaging. Responsible manufacturing and disposal still matter.
Evidence and regulatory status
Cosmetics evidence.
Systematic reviews and market surveys of deodorants confirm TEC’s prevalence in modern aluminum-free formulas and summarize test methods that assess deodorancy (time–kill assays, olfactory panels, and wear tests). Cosmetic ingredient panels have repeatedly affirmed safety for citrate esters used as plasticizers and solvents in typical concentrations, with human patch tests indicating good tolerability.
Food and supplement technology.
In the EU, regulatory texts authorize specific technological uses of TEC (E1505) and have historically cited an ADI of 0–20 mg/kg bw/day, set to encompass exposure from permitted categories. Authorizations have included roles like carrier for flavorings, use in dried egg white processing, and glazing agent for food supplement tablets under good manufacturing practice. In the US, TEC is affirmed GRAS as a direct human food ingredient under defined conditions, and acetylated citrate esters are listed among prior-sanctioned plasticizers for certain food-packaging materials.
Pharmaceutical excipient use.
As a film plasticizer, TEC supports enteric and sustained-release coating performance. Related citrate esters (such as acetyl triethyl citrate) have published pharmacokinetics and metabolism data in animal models showing rapid hydrolysis and low parent compound exposure—consistent with the general behavior of citrate esters.
Open questions.
- Comparative efficacy: Among non-aluminum deodorant actives, how does TEC compare head-to-head with zinc salts or novel bio-based actives? Current evidence suggests complementary rather than mutually exclusive roles.
- Exposure modeling: As clean-label demand grows, TEC usage patterns may evolve; ongoing market surveys and exposure assessments help regulators and consumers track real-world use.
Takeaway.
TEC has a well-characterized, low-risk profile in its intended roles. For consumers, it’s a useful ingredient to recognize on labels—especially if you’re building an aluminum-free deodorant routine with a track record of skin compatibility.
References
- 21 CFR 184.1911 – Triethyl citrate. 2011 (Regulation)
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2010/69/EU of 22 October 2010 amending the Annexes to European Parliament and Council Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners 2010 (Regulation)
- Overview of Active Ingredients Used in Deodorants and Antiperspirants Available on EU Market 2025 (Survey)
- Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods 2023 (Systematic Review)
- Acetyl Trialkyl Citrates 2023 (Safety Review)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your personal situation, especially if you have skin conditions, allergies, or are considering changes to products you use regularly.
If you found this helpful, you’re welcome to share it on Facebook, X, or any platform you prefer, and follow us for future updates. Your support helps us continue producing clear, people-first guides.
