9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · masking agent · skin conditioning agent · aroma compound
Hydroxycitronellol
Also known as: 3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, Hydroxyl citronellal, Hydroxyl citronellol
Molecular Formula
C10H22O2
Molecular Weight
174.28 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Hydroxycitronellol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- included in products with proper labeling
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using multiple products containing fragrances
- applying to areas with high absorption
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to hydroxycitronellol
- using on irritated or damaged skin
- consuming in large quantities without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H22O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 174.28 g/mol |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 1 ml 60% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but check for allergies.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food at regulated levels; check for sensitivities.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; monitor for skin reactions.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe in household products; ensure proper ventilation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Hydroxycitronellol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Hydroxycitronellol may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be approached with caution.
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 and should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
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 risk.
- 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 in young children may lead to 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
Hydroxycitronellol 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 irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Human clinical study | Potential allergen for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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
Hydroxycitronellol is a fragrance ingredient with a moderate safety profile based on various assessments.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Hydroxycitronellol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Hydroxycitronellol is safe as used in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Hydroxycitronellol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Hydroxycitronellol
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Hydroxycitronellol is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific regulations. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics regulated
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics regulated
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroxycitronellol is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Yes, hydroxycitronellol may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
It is commonly found in fragrances, lotions, and some food flavorings.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:16:45.016317Z | — | 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.