Triethyl Citrate (TEC) Liquid

Triethyl Citrate, commonly known as TEC, is a clear, practically odourless liquid citrate ester used in perfumes, body mists, deodorants and cosmetic formulations.

In perfumery, Triethyl Citrate functions as a low-odour solvent, diluent and fragrance fixative. It helps fragrance ingredients blend uniformly and supports a smoother, more controlled release of the perfume.

In deodorant formulations, TEC helps reduce unpleasant body odour by limiting the enzymatic breakdown of sweat components. It is a deodorant ingredient, not an antiperspirant, which means it helps control odour without preventing the body’s natural sweating process.

Triethyl Citrate is selected mainly for its functional properties and does not contribute a strong fragrance of its own. It is suitable for professional perfume makers, cosmetic manufacturers, independent formulators and DIY creators.

Key Benefits:

• Functions as a perfume solvent, diluent and fixative
• Helps fragrance ingredients blend more uniformly
• Supports smoother fragrance release and scent performance
• Clear and practically odourless liquid
• Does not interfere significantly with the original fragrance profile
• Useful as an odour-control ingredient in deodorants
• Compatible with ethanol and many fragrance ingredients
• Suitable for perfumes, body mists, deodorants and personal-care formulations
• Can also function as a plasticizer in selected hair and nail formulations

Applications:

Triethyl Citrate can be used in:

• Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and cologne formulations
• Alcohol-based perfumes
• Body mists and hair perfumes
• Fragrance concentrates
• Deodorant roll-ons
• Deodorant sprays and creams
• Personal-care and cosmetic formulations
• Hair sprays and film-forming hair products
• Nail-care formulations
• Selected sunscreen and colour-cosmetic formulations

Recommended Usage Level:

Perfumes, body mists and fragrance products - Suggested starting level: 0.5%–5%

Start at approximately 1%–2% and increase only after evaluating fragrance clarity, diffusion, evaporation and longevity. TEC should not be treated as a guaranteed method of making every fragrance long-lasting because final performance also depends on the fragrance composition, concentration, alcohol quality, packaging and maturation period.

Deodorant formulations - Recommended level: 1%–5%

For effective deodorant performance, maintain the final formulation at approximately pH 4.0–5.0.

Triethyl Citrate is not recommended for strongly alkaline formulations, including traditional alkaline soaps and alkaline deodorant sticks.

Other cosmetic formulations - Use according to formulation requirements and conduct compatibility, stability and performance testing before manufacturing commercial batches.

These percentages are formulation starting points, not universal regulatory limits.

How to Use Triethyl Citrate in Perfume

1. Measure the required quantity of Triethyl Citrate.
2. Add it to the fragrance oil or fragrance concentrate.
3. Mix thoroughly until the blend is clear and uniform.
4. Add the premixed fragrance blend to perfume-grade alcohol or the selected perfume base.
5. Mix thoroughly and allow the perfume to mature.
6. Evaluate clarity, scent profile, spray quality, diffusion and longevity.
7. Adjust the TEC percentage only after carrying out a controlled trial.

TEC should be introduced gradually because excessive use may change fragrance diffusion, opening intensity or overall sensory performance.

How to Use TEC in Water-Based Products

Triethyl Citrate is only slightly soluble in water. Therefore, water-based body mists, deodorants and sprays may require a suitable solubilizer, emulsifier or co-solvent system.

Do not add TEC directly to water and assume that the final formulation will remain clear and stable. Always conduct small-batch compatibility and stability testing.

INCI Name: Triethyl Citrate

Odor Profile - Practically odourless to very mild

Solubility: Very soluble or miscible in ethanol; only slightly soluble in water

Important Formulation Notes

• Triethyl Citrate is not a fragrance oil.
• It has little to no odour and is used mainly for functionality.
• It does not replace perfume-grade alcohol or a complete perfume base.
• It is not fully water-soluble.
• It is not a cosmetic preservative.
• It is not an antiperspirant and does not stop sweating.
• It is not always a direct 1:1 replacement for DPG or DEP.
• Compatibility must be tested in oil-based and water-based systems.
• Finished-product performance depends on the complete formulation.