Triethyl citrate

Triethyl citrate is primarily used as a solvent/plasticizer and deodorant active (odor-neutralizing), typically at low-to-moderate concentrations in leave-on products. Human data and cosmetic use history suggest it is generally well-tolerated with low irritation potential, but as an ester solvent it can occasionally sting or trigger irritation in highly reactive or barrier-impaired skin, especially in leave-on deodorant contexts. Given sensitive-skin safety considerations, it fits best as a generally gentle ingredient with a small but real risk of irritation in compromised skin. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare and personal-care products, triethyl citrate is commonly used at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) as a solvent/plasticizer and odor-control co-ingredient in leave-on lotions/creams, serums, and some rinse-off cleansers. At the high end, consumer-available deodorants/antiperspirant-adjacent deodorant products (especially alcohol/water-based roll-ons, sprays, and stick bases) use it as an odor-control active/deo ester and solvent typically in the 5–15% range; above ~15% is uncommon in mainstream OTC formats due to sensorial and solubility/balance constraints rather than a specific global cosmetic limit.