Tributyl Citrate is a star ingredient in cosmetics that works behind the scenes to keep formulations stable and easy to use. It acts as a plasticizer, enhancing the flexibility and softness of cosmetics and personal care products. Due to its presence, products are simpler to apply and spread comfortably. This is the reason why Tributyl Citrate can be found in a large chunk of beauty products today. It is also a potent humectant and keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and radiant. In its raw form, Tributyl Citrate appears as a colorless to light yellow odorless liquid. An organic ester of citric acid, this ingredient is non-toxic and non-irritating for the skin. The chemical formula of Tributyl Citrate is C18H32O7.
Products with TRIBUTYL CITRATE
With samples available
CITROFOL® BI
by Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
CIBAFAST® H LIQUID
by BASF
Tributyl Citrate (TBC)
by Mamta Polycoats
What is TRIBUTYL CITRATE used for?
Tributyl Citrate has a wide variety of uses in the cosmetics and personal care industry - making it a super versatile and effective ingredient. It helps both skin and hair with its unique combination of benefits that many other ingredients do not have.
Skin care: Tributyl Citrate improves the spreadability of skin care formulations - making creams, lotions, and foundations easier to apply. Being a potent humectant, it draws moisture to the skin and keeps it hydrated over long durations. This citric acid ester is also responsible for stabilizing products and prolonging their longevity.
Hair care: Tributyl Citrate is a plasticizer that enhances the softness and flexibility of hair styling products. Being non-sticky in nature, it helps keep formulations like shampoos and conditioners lightweight and non-greasy. It is a fragrance stabilizer and retains the scent of hair care products. Tributyl Citrate can also be found in hair styling gels, sprays, and mists.
Origin
Tributyl Citrate is made by reacting butyl alcohol with citric acid in a controlled environment. The mixture is heated to facilitate esterification. The resulting ingredient is purified and standardized for use in cosmetics.
What does TRIBUTYL CITRATE do in a formulation?
HUMECTANT|
PLASTICISER|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
STABILISINGSafety Profile
Tributyl Citrate is a safe and non-toxic compound when used within recommended concentrations. Studies suggest that it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing for the skin. However, higher concentrations may cause adverse reactions. Additionally, individuals with highly sensitive skin must exercise caution as there is a risk of mild sensitization. In any case, patch tests must be performed on a discreet area before full application of cosmetic products containing this ingredient.
TRIBUTYL CITRATE alternatives
TRIBUTYL CITRATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
Boiling Point | 170°C |
Melting Point | -20°C |
pH | Neutral |
Solubility | Insoluble in water |
Viscosity | Medium |