6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · odor masking agent · skin conditioning agent
Dihydrocitronellol
Also known as: 3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, Dihydro-citronellol
Molecular Formula
C10H22O
Molecular Weight
158.28 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Dihydrocitronellol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known sensitivities
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products with multiple fragrance ingredients
- applying to areas with compromised skin
- consuming food products with high fragrance content
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to fragrance compounds
- you are pregnant or nursing without consulting a doctor
- you experience irritation after use
- you are using products on children without testing first
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 158.28 g/mol |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 3 ml 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.6 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Food
Flavorings, beverages. Used in food flavorings; ensure compliance with safety limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in topical formulations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Common in household products; use in well-ventilated areas.
Supplement
Flavoring agents. Used as a flavoring agent; check for allergies.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dihydrocitronellol is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of dihydrocitronellol may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to irritants; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dihydrocitronellol is a fragrance ingredient with a moderate safety profile based on various assessments.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | positive in sensitization tests | Human sensitization study | Potential allergen for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Dihydrocitronellol is a fragrance ingredient with a moderate safety profile based on various assessments.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Dihydrocitronellol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Dihydrocitronellol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe in cosmetic products with appropriate usage levels.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Substances
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dihydrocitronellol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS recommendations.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK regulations.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Must comply with Health Canada guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dihydrocitronellol is a fragrance ingredient commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation; patch testing is recommended.
It is advisable to avoid Dihydrocitronellol if you have a known allergy to fragrance compounds.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:11:31.058310Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.