✦ Odorless perfume fixative that extends fragrance longevity
✦ Proven deodorant active that helps control body odor
✦ Clear, colorless liquid that blends easily into oils and alcohol
✦ Acts as a solvent, carrier, and plasticizer in cosmetics
✦ Used in deodorants, perfumes, nail care, and skincare
✦ Stable, gentle, and food-grade safe (E1505)
✦ Vegan and cruelty-free

Triethyl Citrate is the triethyl ester of citric acid, first developed as a safe plasticizer and food additive. It has been used for decades in food, pharma, and cosmetics due to its low toxicity and stability.

What makes it special is its dual role. It is both a near-odorless fixative that helps perfumes last longer and a recognized deodorant active that reduces the enzyme activity responsible for body odor.

Bio Shop Pakistan supplies cosmetic-grade Triethyl Citrate suitable for perfumes, attars, deodorants, lotions, and nail care formulations.

SCENT DESCRIPTION: Triethyl Citrate is practically odorless. At most it carries a very faint, soft, slightly sweet trace that disappears quickly. It is valued for what it does, not how it smells. It will not alter the character of your fragrance blend.

NOTE POSITION : Fixative / Carrier (not an odorant)
FRAGRANCE FAMILY: Functional · Odorless · Fixative
FACETS : Clean · Neutral · Faint · Soft · Sweetish
TENACITY : Not applicable (used to extend other notes)
SILLAGE : None — silent in the blend

Chemical Name : Triethyl 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
CAS Number : 77-93-0
Synonyms : TEC, Citric acid triethyl ester, E1505
Purity % : 99% min (verify with supplier)
Appearance : Clear colorless oily liquid
Odor Threshold : Practically odorless
Solubility : Slightly soluble in water; miscible in alcohol
Specific Gravity : 1.135 – 1.139
Flash Point : Approx. 150 – 155 C (verify with supplier)
Type : Synthetic (citrate ester)

Deodorants & Anti-perspirants ★★★★★
A leading natural-style deo active. Reduces odor by limiting enzyme breakdown of sweat. Common in roll-ons and sticks.

Fine Fragrance ★★★★☆
Works as an odorless fixative and solvent. Helps fragrance oils dissolve and last longer without changing the scent.

Cosmetics & Skincare ★★★★☆
Acts as a gentle plasticizer and emollient. Common in nail products, creams, and lotions.

Attar & Oriental Blending ★★★☆☆
Useful as a clear, odorless diluent to soften and extend concentrated oils.

Home Fragrance ★★★☆☆
Can be used as a solvent base in reed diffusers and similar bases.

EDP : 3 – 8%
EDT : 2 – 5%
Body Lotion : 1 – 5%
Shampoo/Body Wash: 1 – 3%
Candle : 1 – 3%
Reed Diffuser : 5 – 20% (solvent base)
Soap : 0.5 – 2%
Deodorant Active : 2 – 3%

IFRA 51st Amendment: Triethyl Citrate is not restricted as a fragrance ingredient under IFRA. Always verify current status at ifrafragrance.org.

⚠️ Esters can slowly hydrolyze at very high pH (strong soaps, cold wave). Test stability in alkaline bases.

Method 1 — Fixative: Add 3 to 8% to perfume concentrate to extend longevity without altering scent.

Method 2 — Solvent: Use to dissolve crystalline or thick aroma materials before blending.

Method 3 — Deo Active: Add 2 to 3% to deodorant bases to reduce odor-causing enzyme activity.

BEST PAIRINGS

Citrus oils → Helps fix and extend bright top notes
Musks → Smooths and carries heavy base notes
Aroma chemicals → Acts as a clean dissolving medium
Alcohol (perfume) → Improves blend clarity and feel

AVOID: Prolonged use in very high-pH systems where ester hydrolysis may occur.

As a perfumer, I treat Triethyl Citrate as a silent workhorse. It does not add scent, but it makes a blend feel rounder, last longer, and behave better on skin. It is one of the most underrated tools for improving longevity cleanly.

ADVANCED TIP: When a heavy musk or resinoid drags your blend down, pre-dissolve it in an equal weight of Triethyl Citrate before adding to your base. This improves diffusion and stops the note from sitting flat.

Physical State : Clear liquid
Skin Safety : Generally well tolerated; patch test advised
Eye Contact : Avoid; rinse with water if exposed
Ingestion : Food-grade safe (E1505); do not consume raw stock
Ventilation : Normal room ventilation is sufficient
Storage : Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Shelf Life : 24 months when sealed properly
Container : Keep tightly closed in original container
Flammability : Low risk; high flash point

Q: What does Triethyl Citrate do in perfume?
A: It acts as an odorless fixative and solvent. It helps your fragrance last longer without changing the scent.

Q: Does it have a smell?
A: No. It is practically odorless and will not affect your blend's character.

Q: Can I use it in deodorants?
A: Yes. It is a proven deodorant active that reduces odor-causing enzyme activity. Use around 2 to 3%.

Q: Is it safe for skin?
A: It is widely used in cosmetics and generally well tolerated. A patch test is still recommended.

Q: How does it compare to natural citric acid?
A: Citric acid is acidic and water-based; Triethyl Citrate is an oily, near-neutral ester. They are not interchangeable in fragrance work.