Propylene glycol citrate

Propylene glycol citrate (CAS 85252-24-0) is a monoester of citric acid and propylene glycol used as an emulsifier, acidulant, and chelating agent across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Its ester structure provides both hydrophilic and lipophilic character, making it effective at stabilizing emulsions and controlling pH in complex matrices. In food manufacturing, it functions as an emulsifier and acidulant.

It is commonly used in dressings, sauces, and processed foods where both fat dispersion and pH control are required simultaneously. Personal care formulators incorporate it into creams and lotions to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.

The compound is also used to sequester metal ions that would otherwise degrade product shelf life. In pharmaceutical topical formulations, it supports consistent texture and acts as a buffering agent to maintain target pH ranges.

Beverage and flavor applications also use it to fix or carry acidic flavor profiles with improved stability compared to free citric acid. Propylene glycol citrate is typically supplied as a liquid or viscous liquid at room temperature.

It is available in food-grade and technical-grade specifications, with food-grade material conforming to relevant purity standards for use in regulated food and cosmetic applications such as FCC or USP.

Packaging is generally offered in drums or intermediate bulk containers suited to industrial procurement volumes. This ensures the material remains stable and easy to handle during large-scale manufacturing processes.