What is citral in skincare?

Citral is a natural compound found in citrus and some plant oils that contributes fragrance and aroma to skincare products. Published cosmetic reviews grade it as low concern for typical use. It's also known as geranial or neral.

Can citral irritate sensitive skin?

Citral is graded watch-if-sensitive and low concern in published safety reviews. It's a fragrance component that some people may find irritating or sensitizing, especially at higher concentrations or with repeated exposure. Patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.

Where does citral come from?

Citral occurs naturally in lemongrass, lemon oil, orange oil, and other citrus plants. It's often extracted or synthesized for use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products.

fragrance · antioxidant

Citral

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence

A natural fragrance component found in citrus oils and lemongrass, giving a lemony scent. It is a named EU fragrance allergen that can oxidize into potent contact allergens over time; people with known fragrance sensitivities may react.

Worth knowing

EU-labelled fragrance allergen

Questions

What is citral in skincare?: Citral is a natural compound found in citrus and some plant oils that contributes fragrance and aroma to skincare products. Published cosmetic reviews grade it as low concern for typical use. It's also known as geranial or neral.
Can citral irritate sensitive skin?: Citral is graded watch-if-sensitive and low concern in published safety reviews. It's a fragrance component that some people may find irritating or sensitizing, especially at higher concentrations or with repeated exposure. Patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.
Where does citral come from?: Citral occurs naturally in lemongrass, lemon oil, orange oil, and other citrus plants. It's often extracted or synthesized for use as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products.

Products with Citral

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.