Citronellol — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: CITRONELLOL
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 106-22-9
- Category
- fragrance
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- perfume, moisturizer, body lotion
Is Citronellol safe in cosmetics?
Citronellol is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. One of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens that must be declared on labels. Safer alternatives include Fragrance-free products, Essential oil-free formulations. Commonly found in perfume, moisturizer, body lotion.
What is Citronellol?
Rose-scented fragrance component. EU-regulated fragrance allergen.
Allergy & Safety Information
Citronellol 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 Citronellol: 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 Citronellol 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 Citronellol, 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, Moisturizer, Body lotion. These product categories are the most common sources of Citronellol exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Citronellol? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Citronellol and other allergens automatically.
Cross-Reactions
If you react to Citronellol, you may also react to:
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citronellol safe for sensitive skin?
Citronellol may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Citronellol?
Citronellol is commonly found in perfume, moisturizer, body lotion.
What does Citronellol do in cosmetics?
Citronellol functions as a fragrance in formulations. One of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens that must be declared on labels.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Citronellol 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 Citronellol causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
Download on App Store