7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
Citronellyl Propionate
Molecular Formula
C13H24O2
Molecular Weight
212.33 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Citronellyl Propionate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- applied to intact skin
- used in food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other fragrances
- applying to broken or irritated skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to citronella or similar compounds
- using in high concentrations in food or cosmetics
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H24O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 212.33 g/mol |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 4 ml 80% alcohol gives clear soln (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Safe for use in food within established limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive individuals.
Supplement
Dietary supplements with flavoring. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citronellyl Propionate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Citronellyl Propionate may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Most adults tolerate Citronellyl Propionate well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to potential irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through milk. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Citronellyl Propionate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 (2013) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization reactions noted | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
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
Citronellyl Propionate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in regulated amounts.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Citronellyl Propionate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citronellyl Propionate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Citronellyl Propionate
Year: 2013
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citronellyl Propionate 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 cosmetic regulations.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with Health Canada guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform a patch test.
It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
It is often found in fragrances, lotions, and food flavorings, enhancing scent and taste.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:54:49.249890Z | — | 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.