Ingredient review
Dilaureth-7 Citrate
INCI: DILAURETH-7 CITRATE
A gentle, citrate-based surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from lauric acid (found in coconut oil) and citric acid (from citrus fruits). It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Because it's a citrate, it tends to be less harsh on the skin than some traditional sulfates, making it a good choice for people with sensitive or dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Dilaureth-7 Citrate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier created by reacting lauric acid with ethylene oxide and then esterifying with citric acid. It belongs to the family of citrate esters, known for their mildness and ability to reduce irritation in cleansing formulas.
How it works
In a product, Dilaureth-7 Citrate lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate component also helps buffer the pH of the formula, keeping it close to the skin's natural acidity.
Pros
Mild on skin
Unlike harsher sulfates, Dilaureth-7 Citrate cleanses without stripping the skin's moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive or dry skin.
pH-friendly
The citrate component helps keep the product's pH close to the skin's natural level (around 5.5), which can reduce irritation and support a healthy skin microbiome.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
Compared to more common surfactants, there is less published research on Dilaureth-7 Citrate, so its long-term effects are not as thoroughly documented.
Potential for dryness at high levels
In formulas where it is used at very high concentrations (above 10%), it may still cause some dryness or tightness, especially for very dry skin types.
Best for
- People with sensitive or dry skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or low-irritation cleansing products
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to citric acid derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. As with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with known sensitivities.
Research notes
While not as extensively studied as some common surfactants, available data and industry experience indicate that citrate esters like Dilaureth-7 Citrate are mild and well-tolerated. Most safety information comes from broader studies on citrate-based surfactants.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Citrate-based surfactants are generally considered more biodegradable than many petroleum-based alternatives, though specific data on Dilaureth-7 Citrate is limited.
Good to know
- Dilaureth-7 Citrate is often used alongside other mild surfactants to boost foam without increasing irritation.
- It is considered biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than some traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Dilaureth-7 Citrate in beauty products?
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from lauric acid (found in coconut oil) and citric acid (from citrus fruits). It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Because it's a citrate, it tends to be less harsh on the skin than some traditional sulfates, making it a good choice for people with sensitive or dry skin.
What does Dilaureth-7 Citrate do in a beauty product?
In a product, Dilaureth-7 Citrate lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate component also helps buffer the pH of the formula, keeping it close to the skin's natural acidity.
Is Dilaureth-7 Citrate safe for most people?
Dilaureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. As with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with known sensitivities.
Who should be careful with Dilaureth-7 Citrate?
Individuals with known allergies to citric acid derivatives (rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.