Citral
(E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal; mixture of geranial (a-citral) and neral (b-citral)
EU Annex III fragrance allergen; mixture of geranial and neral isomers; major component of lemongrass, lime, and lemon myrtle oils; moderate sensitizer; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde reactivity drives sensitization
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical
Fragrance Materials
Citrus and lemon-note perfumes; lemongrass-type body care, shampoos, cleaning products, candles; prominent in lemongrass and lime essential oils
Natural/Synthetic
Concentration Limits
Declaration required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off
Declaration threshold: 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off (EU Reg 2023/1545); IFRA restriction applies
None (FEMA GRAS); IFRA-guided
None specific
Format restriction: EU mandatory declaration when above threshold; IFRA 49th Amendment concentration limits apply
Baby restriction: No
Pregnancy: No
IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.4%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.24%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): 8.3%; rinse-off (Category 9): 1.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citral safe to use in skincare?
Citral has a Medium concern rating. EU Annex III fragrance allergen; mixture of geranial and neral isomers; major component of lemongrass, lime, and lemon myrtle oils; moderate sensitizer; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde reactivity drives sensitization
Is Citral allowed in India?
Citral is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Declaration required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off.
What is Citral used for in cosmetics?
Citral functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Citrus and lemon-note perfumes; lemongrass-type body care, shampoos, cleaning products, candles; prominent in lemongrass and lime essential oils.
Can Citral cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Citral has an allergen flag (Yes - EU Annex III fragrance allergen). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.
Is Citral safe for babies?
Citral has baby/child restrictions: No. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.
Regulatory Status
EU Annex: Annex III (fragrance allergen - declaration required)
Identifiers
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