Emulsifier

Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate

INCI: HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE GLYCERIDES CITRATE

Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

A vegetable-derived emollient that conditions and stabilises skincare formulations

Best For Skin Types

All, Dry, Sensitive, Mature

Addresses

Dryness, Barrier repair, Hydration

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate?

Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate is a plant-derived ingredient created by combining glycerides (fatty compounds naturally found in vegetable oils) with citric acid. The hydrogenation process makes it more stable in formulations. It functions primarily as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients together whilst softening the skin.

This ingredient appears in roughly one in a thousand skincare products, typically at low concentrations. It serves a structural role in formulations as much as a skin benefit one, helping creams and lotions maintain their texture and consistency over time.

How It Works

The ingredient works through two mechanisms. As an emollient, it sits on the skin's surface and fills micro-gaps between skin cells, which softens rough texture and reduces water loss. The fatty nature of vegetable glycerides makes this process gentle and non-occlusive—the skin can still breathe.

In the formulation itself, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate acts as a bridge between oil-soluble and water-soluble ingredients. This allows formulators to create stable, well-textured products that don't separate over time, ensuring you get consistent benefits with each application.

Clinical Evidence & References

Research on related glyceride compounds suggests they are well-tolerated and effective emollients with a strong safety profile. A comprehensive safety review of glyceryl esters (the broader category to which this ingredient belongs) found them suitable for cosmetic use across a range of concentrations.

Specific clinical trials directly studying this particular ingredient are limited in published literature. The evidence base relies largely on its safety classification and its established role in skincare formulations rather than dedicated efficacy studies. It is generally recognised as a functional conditioning agent rather than an active treatment ingredient.

How to Use

This ingredient is typically found in moisturisers, serums, and balms rather than cleansers or toners. There is no need to use products containing it in isolation—it works best as part of a complete skincare routine. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin to maximise moisture retention. It can be layered with other products and is unlikely to cause issues when combined with other ingredients.

Safety & Precautions

Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate is generally well-tolerated across skin types. Allergic reactions are uncommon, though sensitivity to plant-derived ingredients can occur in some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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