6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · solvent · flavoring agent · emollient
Citronellyl Acetate
Also known as: Citronellyl Acetate, Citronellyl Acetate Ester, 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid, 2-acetoxy-, Acetic acid, 2-(2-methyl-3-butenyl)-
Molecular Formula
C12H22O2
Molecular Weight
198.30 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Citronellyl Acetate 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
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not consumed in excessive amounts in food
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to citronella or related compounds
- you have asthma or severe respiratory conditions
- you experience irritation upon application
- you are using it in high concentrations in food
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H22O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 198.30 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 229.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 9 ml 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in low concentrations; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Use in moderation; high doses may cause adverse effects.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing this ingredient.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citronellyl Acetate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Citronellyl Acetate may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause mild respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with Citronellyl Acetate can cause irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants; avoid use.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe in moderation.
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 safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to potential irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data; generally considered safe in moderation. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Citronellyl Acetate is a fragrance ingredient with moderate safety assessments supporting its use 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 (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | 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
Citronellyl Acetate is a fragrance ingredient with moderate safety assessments supporting its use in cosmetics and food.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Citronellyl Acetate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Citronellyl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citronellyl Acetate
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citronellyl Acetate 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
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Yes, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of food flavoring.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:51:52.682509Z | — | 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.