8.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · antimicrobial agent · solvent
Citral
Also known as: Citral A, Citral B, Lemonal
Molecular Formula
C10H16O
Molecular Weight
152.23 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Citral is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity. Always check product labels.
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 citral
- you are pregnant or nursing
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to citral
- you experience irritation after use
- using on children without prior testing
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16O |
| Molecular Weight | 152.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -10.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 226.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3.0 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Used as a flavoring agent; generally recognized as safe in food.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in some formulations; check for potential allergens.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Common in household products; use in well-ventilated areas.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Citral is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of citral can lead to gastrointestinal irritation; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of citral may cause respiratory irritation in some individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Citral can cause significant irritation to the eyes; avoid contact.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but consult if concerned.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but some may experience skin irritation. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Higher sensitivity to irritants; avoid use in young children. |
| 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
Citral is a fragrance compound with potential sensitization effects. Regulatory bodies assess its safety in various applications.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2012) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Human clinical study | Potential allergen | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Citral is a fragrance compound with potential sensitization effects. Regulatory bodies assess its safety in various applications.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use in specified concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Citral
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Citral is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.8%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Citral
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Citral is safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Citral
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Citral is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Citral is permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Concentration limits apply.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Citral is commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent in various products.
Citral may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, citral has concentration limits in the EU but is generally permitted elsewhere.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:49:00.722186Z | — | 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.