Isopropyl Citrate

AKA: CCRIS 3655, 1-Methylethyl 2-hydroxy-1, 2, 3-propanetricarboxylate, 1, 3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 1-methylethyl ester, Mono(2-methylpropyl) ester, ISOPROPYL CITRATE [INCI], Mono(2-methylpropyl) ester (9CI), 39413-05-3
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
(1-Methylethyl) dihydrogen 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate; 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic, 2-hydroxy-, 1-Methylethyl Ester
Formula
C10H18O7
Mol. Weight
250.25
CAS #
1321-57-9, 39413-05-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Plasticiser
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Anti-Aging
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Adds flexibility
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester of citric acid developed as a chelating agent and preservative booster in cosmetics. Created to enhance product stability and prevent oxidation in formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR