7.0
ISS Score
A- — Low to moderate hazard for topical/cosmetic use - safe with proper usage
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · insect repellent · skin conditioning agent
Citronellol
Also known as: 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol, Citronellol, Rosae alcohol
Molecular Formula
C10H20O
Molecular Weight
156.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Citronellol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in large quantities
- exposed to sunlight after application
- using in products for children
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to citronellol
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- using in products intended for ingestion
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 156.26 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -20.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 108.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.855 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3.2 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Used in some topical formulations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Common in household products; use in well-ventilated areas.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citronellol is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of citronellol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of citronellol 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.
- sensitive_skin — May experience severe irritation or allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used with caution.
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; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Very High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience severe irritation. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Citronellol is widely used for its fragrance properties, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 3450 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 2650 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
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
Citronellol is widely used for its fragrance properties, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and household 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 Citronellol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Citronellol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 3%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Citronellol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Citronellol is safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate labeling.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citronellol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Citronellol is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citronellol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Citronellol is commonly used as a fragrance in cosmetics and household products.
Citronellol may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing citronellol during pregnancy.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:50:51.435506Z | — | 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.