Triethyl citrate, 100 ml

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 evaporation of perfume components, helping the scent last longer on the skin.

Use in formulation

The manufacturer recommends a dosage of 1 – 5 % as a deodorant active. The ingredient belongs to the oil phase. It is poorly soluble in water, dispersible in oil, and fully soluble in ethanol.

In emulsion deodorants – such as roll-ons or cream deodorants – it is blended with the oil phase and other active ingredients, then homogenised with the water phase. In alcohol-based sprays, processing is straightforward: the ingredient is dissolved directly in ethanol and the remaining components are then added. It is used in the same way in aerosol deodorants.

Compatibility with other ingredients is unrestricted. The ingredient is intended for leave-on body products and is suitable for all skin types. It is not classified as hazardous and contains none of the fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Suitable for products such as

• Roll-on deodorants – added to the oil phase before homogenisation.
• Alcohol-based deodorant sprays – dissolved directly in ethanol; processing is straightforward.
• Aerosol and cream deodorants – including natural formulations without aluminium salts.
• Perfumed body oils and sprays – as a fixative to extend the longevity of the fragrance.
• Body emulsions and oils with poorly soluble active ingredients – as an auxiliary solvent.

What's worth knowing

Triethyl Citrate is not an antiperspirant. It acts on the bacteria that break down sweat; it does not affect the amount of sweat produced.

As a solvent, it is used for active ingredients that dissolve poorly in common oils. Verify the solubility of a specific ingredient on a small test amount before preparing a full batch.

Frequently asked questions