Triethyl Citrate

Triethyl Citrate is a deodorant active ingredient of natural origin that inhibits body odour formation without destroying bacteria on the skin. In formulations, it also serves as a solvent for poorly soluble active ingredients and as a fragrance fixative , helping perfume last longer on the skin. In natural deodorants, it thus combines odour-counteracting efficacy with protection of the skin microbiome. Chemically, it is an ester of citric acid and ethanol . Both starting materials are produced by fermentation: ethanol from yeast and citric acid from the mould Aspergillus niger. How it works against odour Sweat itself has no smell. Unpleasant odour only develops when bacteria on the skin – primarily corynebacteria – break down organic substances from sweat into smaller volatile molecules. This breakdown is controlled by bacterial enzymes from the esterase group. According to the manufacturer, Triethyl Citrate binds to the active sites of these enzymes, thereby blocking them – primarily in gram-positive bacteria. The bacteria remain alive; they simply stop producing malodorous compounds. This distinguishes the ingredient from many deodorant actives that kill bacteria and may disrupt the balance of the skin flora. Deodorancy – limits enzymatic breakdown of sweat, thus preventing odour formation. Support of the skin microbiome – the effect does not rely on killing bacteria; the natural skin colonisation remains intact. Solvent – dissolves active ingredients that are poorly soluble in common oils or water, facilitating their incorporation. Fragrance fixative – slows down evapor