Tri-C12-13 Alkyl Citrate

Synthetic

Emollient

Skin Conditioner

Clean

OriginDerived from citric acid and C12-13 fatty alcohols, members of the ester chemical family. Synthesized through esterification reaction between citric acid and long-chain alcohols under catalytic conditions.

1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, triesters with C12-13 alcohols

CAS #

-

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

Dryness

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Locks In Moisture

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.

CIR · report published 2014

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR