7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · emollient
Citronellyl Butyrate
Also known as: Butyric acid, citronellyl ester, Citronellyl butanoate
Molecular Formula
C14H26O2
Molecular Weight
226.35 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Citronellyl Butyrate 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
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to citronellyl compounds
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- you are using on broken or damaged skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H26O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 226.35 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 245.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 6 ml 80% alcohol gives clear soln (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe when used within food safety regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions when used in formulations.
Supplement
Dietary supplements with flavoring. Consult a healthcare provider if unsure about use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citronellyl Butyrate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Citronellyl Butyrate is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to Citronellyl Butyrate is generally low risk, though high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; caution is advised to avoid ocular exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants may lead to adverse reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe, but monitoring for reactions is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on long-term effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to potential irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data on excretion in milk. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Citronellyl Butyrate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
| 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 | Low irritation potential | SCCS Opinion (2014) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | 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 Butyrate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support safe use in cosmetics and food.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Citronellyl Butyrate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citronellyl Butyrate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring within established limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Citronellyl Butyrate
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citronellyl Butyrate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS recommendations.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK cosmetic regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Must comply with Canadian regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform a patch test.
Yes, it is permitted in food flavoring within established safety limits by EFSA.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:52:51.398808Z | — | 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.