Blend of geranial and neral with a citrus scent. Occurs in lemongrass oil and appears on the EU list of 26 allergens.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Strong sensitizer among natural terpenes. Formulas often pair it with antioxidants to reduce oxidation.
Citral is a mix of two geometric isomers: geranial (trans-citral, citral A) and neral (cis-citral, citral B) at about 60:40 ratio. A natural aromatic aldehyde with intense citrus-lemon scent. Found in lemongrass essential oil (75-85%), lemon balm (30-40%), lemon verbena, citronella (60-80%). Where applied. Perfumes with citrus and fresh notes, shower products, shampoos, hair products, hygiene products, scented candles. Concentration 0.001-0.2%. In Spain – in Roger & Gallet Citron, Loewe Aire Sutileza perfumery, L'Occitane Verbena products. Allergenicity. Listed in the EU 2003 mandatory 26-fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009). At leave-on >0.001% or rinse-off >0.01% – manufacturer must label "Citral". Among the most common sensitizers after cinnamal. Evidence base. Positive patch-test reactions in 1.5-3% of the European general population (Diepgen 2016). In fragrance-dermatitis patients – up to 12-15%. Cross-reactivity with citronellol, geraniol, lemongrass, lemon balm. Safety. SCCS in 2012 concluded: citral is safe at <0.02% in leave-on and <0.1% in rinse-off products. Above – sensitization risk. On damaged skin systemic absorption rises. Photosensitization controversy. Citral and citrus essential oils can give phototoxic reactions – sun-induced pigmentation after contact with lemon, lemongrass oil. Although citral itself is weaker than bergamot furanocoumarins, caution is needed. Citral cosmetics are better used in the evening. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Topically at cosmetic concentrations safe for the fetus. Contact-sensitization risk in the pregnant patient is unchanged. Do not apply on damaged skin. Suitable for. Healthy adult skin without fragrance sensitivity. Atopics, eczema, fragrance-dermatitis patients – avoid. Before a sunny day do not apply citral products to exposed skin.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
HighPregnancy
CautionThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Citral should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Citral suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Citral has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Citral has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
Blend of geranial and neral with a citrus scent.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution
The INCI name is Citral.