Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is a clear, odourless liquid used in UK beauty products as a gentle plasticiser and film-forming agent. You’ll most often find it in long-wear lipsticks, nail polishes and mascaras, where it helps keep formulas flexible so they don’t crack or flake during the day.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate works by softening and plasticising film-forming polymers, allowing the product to create a smooth, even layer that moves with the skin or lips rather than becoming brittle. It improves spreadability and gives a comfortable, non-tightening wear in lipsticks and mascaras while helping to reduce the tackiness of certain resins in nail lacquers.
Key benefits
- Improves flexibility of long-wear lip and nail formulas
- Reduces cracking and flaking during wear
- Enhances smooth, even application
- Gives a comfortable, non-drying finish on lips
- Acts as a mild solvent for film-forming ingredients
- Helps control tackiness in polishes and mascaras
Best for
all skin types, sensitive skin, dry lips
Where it comes from
Although it can be produced from citric acid derived from citrus fruits, the cosmetic-grade Acetyl Tributyl Citrate used in UK beauty products is manufactured synthetically through the esterification of citric acid with butanol followed by acetylation.