Triethyl Citrate / TEC | Fragrance Solvent, Fixative & Carrier

Product Name

Triethyl Citrate / TEC

CAS No.: 77-93-0

🟢 Difficulty: Beginner
⏳ Lasting: Not Applicable
🧪 Function: Solvent / Carrier / Fixative

Description

Triethyl Citrate (TEC) is a colorless, low-odor liquid widely used as a solvent, carrier and formulation aid in perfumery, cosmetics and personal-care products.

Unlike aroma chemicals that are primarily added for their odor, TEC is mainly a functional ingredient. It can help dissolve and carry fragrance materials and is useful in formulations where a low-odor, relatively neutral carrier is required.

Triethyl Citrate is particularly useful in fine fragrances, body sprays, deodorants, cosmetics and personal-care formulations. It can also be used as a solvent and diluent for selected fragrance ingredients and functional materials.

Key Characteristics

• Colorless liquid

• Low odor

• Mildly sweet character

• Good solvent properties

• Useful fragrance carrier

• Low volatility compared with many traditional solvents

• Compatible with many cosmetic and fragrance ingredients

• Helps facilitate uniform fragrance distribution

Recommended Use Level (Educational guideline only)

TEC dosage depends on the final formulation and the solubility requirements of the fragrance system.

• Fragrance dilution: Variable

• Fine fragrance: Application-dependent

• Personal care: Application-dependent

• Cosmetic formulations: Application-dependent

• Functional fragrance systems: Adjust according to the complete formulation

These are general formulation guidelines only and are not IFRA limits. Always follow the supplier's technical documentation and the requirements applicable to the intended end use.

Works Well With

• Aroma Chemicals

• Essential Oils

• Fragrance Concentrates

• Perfume Compounds

• Cosmetic Ingredients

• Personal-Care Ingredients

• Selected Resins

• Other Compatible Solvents

Common Applications

• Fine Fragrance

• Perfume Bases

• Attars

• Body Sprays

• Deodorants

• Cosmetics

• Skin-Care Products

• Hair-Care Products

• Personal-Care Products

• Fragrance Dilutions

• Home Fragrance

• Functional Fragrance Formulations

Formulator's Tip

Triethyl Citrate is best viewed as a functional solvent and carrier rather than a primary odor ingredient. It can be useful when a formulation requires a low-odor carrier to help incorporate fragrance materials. Always check the solubility and stability of the complete fragrance concentrate, especially when working with essential oils, resins or materials with limited compatibility.