Triethyl Citrate

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Triethyl Citrate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, triethyl citrate is generally safe to use on the skin. It’s often added to lotions and creams to help them spread or to carry fragrances. Serious harms like cancer or lasting body effects are not expected, but some people can get skin reactions.

What to Do

Use products that list ingredients and follow the product directions. If you have sensitive skin, do a small patch test on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours before using more widely. Don’t put products containing this ingredient on broken or raw skin. If you notice redness, itching, swelling, or a rash, stop using the product and talk to your healthcare provider.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for allergic or irritating reactions — government health reviews (EPA) show evidence this can happen in some people. Also be aware that industry safety reviews point out limited data and recommend limits on how much can be used in products (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Environment Canada and other agencies note it is not expected to be toxic or to build up in the body, and the U.S. FDA allows limited uses in food, which supports its low overall risk. If pregnant or breastfeeding and concerned, check with your clinician.

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 safe for adults to use Triethyl Citrate?

Yes, Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Triethyl Citrate for adults?

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

What are the eczema risks of Triethyl Citrate for adults?

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 adults using products with Triethyl Citrate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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