Triethyl Citrate

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Triethyl Citrate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children 5 years and older (school-age kids and teens), triethyl citrate is generally low risk when used on the skin. Most safety reviews find little risk of cancer or long-term harm, and it does not tend to build up in the body. The main concern is that some people can have allergic reactions.

What to Do

If you plan to use a product that lists triethyl citrate on a child aged 5 or older: choose products from reputable brands, do a small patch test on the inside of the child’s forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use, avoid applying to broken or irritated skin, and stop use immediately if you see a rash, swelling, or other signs of irritation. Prefer products that list ingredient concentrations or that use verified safety testing. If your child has known fragrance or chemical sensitivities, avoid products with this ingredient.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for signs of an allergic reaction: redness, itching, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. This warning is based on a government assessment showing strong evidence it can be a human allergen (EPA). Also note that industry safety reviews recommend limits on how much is used in products and point out some data gaps (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), so avoid high-concentration products and prolonged heavy use on children. If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop use and consult your child’s healthcare provider.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: A government health assessment finds strong evidence that triethyl citrate can act as a human allergen. Because it is applied to the skin, it can trigger immune reactions in sensitive children, so there is a real risk of an immune response for some users (source: EPA).
Irritant: Regulatory data identify triethyl citrate as a human allergen, which commonly shows up as skin irritation like redness, itching, or rashes when applied topically. This makes it a possible skin irritant for babies and children (source: EPA).
Eczema: Because the ingredient is documented as a human allergen, it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in sensitive individuals, including children who already have atopic skin (source: EPA).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Triethyl Citrate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

triethyl citrateDTXSID0040701DSSTOX_GSID_40701DSSTOX_CID_20701TRIETHYL CITRATE, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALDSSTOX_RID_79552KSC489Q7L1,2,3-TRIETHYL 2-HYDROXYPROPANE-1,2,3-TRICARBOXYLATECTK3I9875FEMA 3083SCHEMBL23465

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Triethyl Citrate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Triethyl Citrate or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Triethyl Citrate

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Triethyl Citrate safety and effects.

Common Questions About Triethyl Citrate

Is this kid-friendly to use Triethyl Citrate?

Yes, Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the immune system risks of Triethyl Citrate for children?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Triethyl Citrate for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the eczema risks of Triethyl Citrate for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What products contain Triethyl Citrate?

Triethyl Citrate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can kids start using products with Triethyl Citrate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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