Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is mainly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ester, adding slip, cushion, and a dry, non-greasy feel to creams, lotions, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.
What does Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is mainly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ester, adding slip, cushion, and a dry, non-greasy feel to creams, lotions, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.
Is Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low in irritation and not a common allergen or sensitizer. The main watchpoint is sourcing and processing transparency, since the fatty alcohol portion can come from either plant-derived or petrochemical feedstocks.
Is Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate sustainable?
This material is typically biodegradable by ester breakdown, but its sustainability profile depends on whether the long-chain alcohols are sourced from palm, coconut, or petrochemical routes. Plant-based supply can align well, provided palm-related sourcing is certified and traceable.
Is Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate COSMOS-approved?
It can fit COSMOS-natural alignment when made from permitted renewable feedstocks using allowed esterification chemistry, but it is not automatically COSMOS-organic unless the required organic-origin criteria are met. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores best when sourced from plant-based alcohols, made by straightforward esterification, and designed for biodegradation.
How does Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate work chemically?
The molecule is a hydrophobic citric acid ester with three long it chains, which gives it good spreadability, pigment-wetting ability, and compatibility with oils, waxes, and UV-filter systems. It is generally stable in anhydrous and neutral-to-mildly acidic emulsions, while strong acid or alkaline conditions can gradually hydrolyze the ester bonds.
Last updated 2026-05-13