9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · emollient · plasticizer · stabilizer
Acetyl Triethyl Citrate
Also known as: Triethyl Citrate Acetate, Citrate Ester
Molecular Formula
C14H22O8
Molecular Weight
318.32 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Acetyl Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food products, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to citrates
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H22O8 |
| Molecular Weight | 318.32 g/mol |
| Log P | 0.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, moisturizers. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Considered safe in food applications within regulated limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical formulations, drug delivery systems. Used in formulations; safety evaluated in clinical settings.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to Acetyl Triethyl Citrate is generally considered safe with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive consumption may pose risks.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Limited data exists on inhalation safety; caution is advised when aerosolized.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are unlikely.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to ingredients; use caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- elderly — Well tolerated but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; monitor for any allergic reactions. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited studies on pregnant women; use with caution. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive; avoid high concentrations. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally safe, but limited data on excretion in milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly may have increased sensitivity; use with care. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Acetyl Triethyl Citrate has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Acetyl Triethyl Citrate has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- No significant irritant or sensitizing effects.
- Supported by multiple safety assessments.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Acetyl Triethyl Citrate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Acetyl Triethyl Citrate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food additive.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food products under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Acetyl Triethyl Citrate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
Used within specified limits.
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetic products.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Used in cosmetics and food.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food products.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Consult with a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
It acts as a skin conditioning agent and helps improve product texture and stability.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T03:57:59.525463Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.