7.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · insect repellent · antimicrobial agent
Citronellal
Also known as: Citronellal, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, Citronellal (natural)
Molecular Formula
C10H18O
Molecular Weight
154.25 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Citronellal is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to citronella
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a history of allergic reactions to fragrances
- you are using on children under 2 years
- you have asthma or respiratory issues
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 147.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 206.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.853 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, soaps, lotions. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Used in formulations; consult a healthcare provider for concerns.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Safe for use in household products; avoid inhalation of concentrated forms.
Supplement
Aromatherapy oils. Consult a professional before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citronellal is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of citronellal can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of citronellal may cause mild respiratory irritation in some 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.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but consult if concerned.
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; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use cautiously. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Citronellal is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food.
| 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 irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Human sensitization study | Moderate concern for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Citronellal is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food.
- Commonly used in fragrances and flavorings.
- 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 Citronellal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 3%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Citronellal
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citronellal
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citronellal is permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited use in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Citronellal is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with citronellal during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:49:55.092495Z | — | 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.