Hydroxycitronellal
7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal
EU Annex III fragrance allergen; synthetic muguet/lily-of-the-valley aroma chemical; moderate to significant sensitization potential; IFRA restricts in leave-on formulations; widely used in classic perfumery; not naturally occurring at significant levels
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical
Fragrance Materials
Lily-of-the-valley, muguet and floral perfumes; skin care; body care; hair care; historically very common in fine fragrance
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 also 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): 0.8%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.5%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): 2.7%; rinse-off (Category 9): higher limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydroxycitronellal safe to use in skincare?
Hydroxycitronellal has a Medium concern rating. EU Annex III fragrance allergen; synthetic muguet/lily-of-the-valley aroma chemical; moderate to significant sensitization potential; IFRA restricts in leave-on formulations; widely used in classic perfumery; not naturally occurring at significant levels
Is Hydroxycitronellal allowed in India?
Hydroxycitronellal 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 Hydroxycitronellal used for in cosmetics?
Hydroxycitronellal functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Lily-of-the-valley, muguet and floral perfumes; skin care; body care; hair care; historically very common in fine fragrance.
Can Hydroxycitronellal cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Hydroxycitronellal 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 Hydroxycitronellal safe for babies?
Hydroxycitronellal 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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