Ingredient review
Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate
INCI: SODIUM DILAURETH-7 CITRATE
A gentle, citrate-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from citric acid (found in citrus fruits) and lauric alcohol (from coconut or palm oil). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it’s much gentler than traditional sulfates. This makes it a good choice for people with dry or sensitive skin who want a thorough but non-irritating clean.
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
Sodium 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 Sodium 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 citric acid with ethoxylated lauryl alcohol. It belongs to the citrate ester family and is designed to be milder on skin than conventional anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure and citrate backbone make it less penetrating and less likely to disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier compared to harsher cleansers.
Pros
Mild on skin
Its large molecular structure and citrate base make it less likely to strip natural oils, reducing tightness or irritation after washing.
Good for sensitive formulas
Works well in combination with other gentle surfactants to create effective yet non-stripping cleansers for daily use.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
Compared to common surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine, there are fewer independent studies on its long-term skin effects.
Potential for slight dryness
At high concentrations or in leave-on products, it may still cause mild dryness for very reactive skin types.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or low-irritation cleansing products
Use caution if
- Those with known allergies to citric acid derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic potential, but individuals with extreme sensitivity should patch test new products.
Research notes
Safety is supported by analogy to other citrate esters and surfactant safety assessments. Direct clinical studies are sparse, but existing data from ingredient suppliers and regulatory reviews indicate a favorable safety profile.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- As a semi-synthetic ingredient, its environmental impact depends on sourcing of lauric alcohol (palm or coconut) and manufacturing processes. Biodegradability data is limited but citrate esters are generally considered readily biodegradable.
Good to know
- Often appears in sulfate-free cleansers alongside other mild surfactants.
- May be derived from palm or coconut oil; look for RSPO-certified sources if sustainability is a concern.
Common questions
What is Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate in beauty products?
Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from citric acid (found in citrus fruits) and lauric alcohol (from coconut or palm oil). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it’s much gentler than traditional sulfates. This makes it a good choice for people with dry or sensitive skin who want a thorough but non-irritating clean.
What does Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure and citrate backbone make it less penetrating and less likely to disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier compared to harsher cleansers.
Is Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate safe for most people?
Considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic potential, but individuals with extreme sensitivity should patch test new products.
Who should be careful with Sodium Dilaureth-7 Citrate?
Those 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.