Ingredient review
Trilaureth-9 Citrate
INCI: TRILAURETH-9 CITRATE
A gentle, citrate-based surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
Trilaureth-9 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) and citric acid (from citrus fruits). It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Unlike harsher detergents, it is designed to be gentle on the skin's outer layer, reducing the risk of dryness or irritation.
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
Trilaureth-9 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 Trilaureth-9 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 combining lauric acid (a fatty acid) with citric acid and ethylene oxide. It belongs to the class of citrate esters and is known for its mild cleansing properties.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate component helps maintain a slightly acidic pH, which is closer to the skin's natural pH, supporting a healthy skin barrier.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Unlike sodium lauryl sulfate, Trilaureth-9 Citrate cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive or dry skin.
pH-friendly formula
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 barrier.
Cons and cautions
Not fully natural
Although derived from natural fatty acids, it undergoes chemical processing (ethoxylation), so it may not fit a strict 'natural' or 'clean' beauty label.
Potential for mild dryness at high levels
In very high concentrations (above 10%), it can still cause slight dryness, especially in leave-on products, though this is uncommon in well-formulated products.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansing options
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Trilaureth-9 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on citrate-based surfactants indicates they are milder than traditional sulfates. While specific studies on Trilaureth-9 Citrate are limited, the broader class of citrate esters is well-documented for gentle cleansing and low irritation. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels support its use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut/palm oil and citrus). However, ethoxylation involves ethylene oxide, which has environmental considerations. Biodegradability is moderate.
Good to know
- Often listed alongside other mild surfactants in sulfate-free formulas.
- May appear in products labeled 'gentle' or 'for sensitive skin'.
Common questions
What is Trilaureth-9 Citrate in beauty products?
Trilaureth-9 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) and citric acid (from citrus fruits). It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Unlike harsher detergents, it is designed to be gentle on the skin's outer layer, reducing the risk of dryness or irritation.
What does Trilaureth-9 Citrate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate component helps maintain a slightly acidic pH, which is closer to the skin's natural pH, supporting a healthy skin barrier.
Is Trilaureth-9 Citrate safe for most people?
Trilaureth-9 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Trilaureth-9 Citrate?
Individuals with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients (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.