Citral — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: CITRAL
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 5392-40-5
- Category
- fragrance
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- perfume, body lotion, shampoo
Is Citral safe in cosmetics?
Citral is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Safer alternatives include Fragrance-free products, Essential oil-free formulations. Commonly found in perfume, body lotion, shampoo.
What is Citral?
Lemon-scented fragrance found in lemongrass and citrus oils. EU-regulated allergen.
Allergy & Safety Information
Citral is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Fragrance Component Ingredients
Fragrance ingredients are added to cosmetics for scent or to mask the odour of raw materials. The EU requires 26 specific fragrance allergens to be listed individually on labels when present above threshold concentrations. Fragrance (listed as "parfum") is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis worldwide.
Relevance for Citral: Even products labelled "unscented" may contain masking fragrances. True fragrance-free products list no perfuming ingredients at all. If you are fragrance-sensitive, check for "parfum," "fragrance," and all 26 EU-listed fragrance allergens on any product label.
How to Identify Citral in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Citral, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Perfume, Body lotion, Shampoo. These product categories are the most common sources of Citral exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Citral? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Citral and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citral safe for sensitive skin?
Citral may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Citral?
Citral is commonly found in perfume, body lotion, shampoo.
What does Citral do in cosmetics?
Citral functions as a fragrance in formulations.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Citral on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Fragrance-Free Skincare Guide
Why fragrance is the #1 cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Citral causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
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