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Trioctyldodecyl Citrate

What Trioctyldodecyl Citrate is & what it does

Trioctyldodecyl Citrate is a citric-acid ester of a branched fatty alcohol, used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. In sunscreens it helps dissolve and spread oil-soluble UV filters while giving the product a smooth, cushiony texture. As a large, oil-loving ester it leaves a soft finish without a heavy greasy feel.

What does Trioctyldodecyl Citrate do in skincare?

Trioctyldodecyl Citrate is an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It softens the skin and gives products a smooth, cushiony texture. In sunscreens it also helps dissolve and spread oil-soluble UV filters evenly.

Is Trioctyldodecyl Citrate comedogenic?

There is limited public comedogenicity rating data for Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, so a firm answer is hard to give. It is a large, oil-loving ester used as an emollient, and how any emollient behaves can vary with skin type and the full formula. If you are acne-prone, patch testing a new product is sensible.

Is Trioctyldodecyl Citrate natural or synthetic?

Trioctyldodecyl Citrate is synthetic, made by reacting citric acid with a branched fatty alcohol. Its starting materials can be derived from plant sources, but the final ingredient is a processed ester rather than a naturally occurring one.

Sunscreens with Trioctyldodecyl Citrate

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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