Citral
Blend of geranial and neral with a citrus scent. Occurs in lemongrass oil and appears on the EU list of 26 allergens.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Strong sensitizer among natural terpenes. Formulas often pair it with antioxidants to reduce oxidation.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Citral safe during pregnancy?
Citral should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Citral for?
Citral suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Citral irritate the skin?
Citral has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Can Citral cause an allergic reaction?
Citral has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Citral and what does it do in cosmetics?
Blend of geranial and neral with a citrus scent.
What's the INCI name for Citral?
The INCI name is Citral.
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