What it is
Citral is an aldehyde with a characteristic fresh, lemon-like odor and is a major aroma component of citrus and lemongrass oils. In cosmetics it is used as a fragrance ingredient to provide a citrus scent. It is also present naturally in many essential oils used for scenting products.
Safety & warnings
Citral is an established fragrance allergen and is among the substances that must be declared on EU cosmetic labels when present above set thresholds, because it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. It is also prone to oxidation on exposure to air, which can increase its sensitizing potential. People with fragrance sensitivities may prefer to avoid products containing it.
Origin & sourcing
Naturally occurring in lemongrass, lemon, and other citrus and herbal essential oils; it is also produced synthetically for use as a fragrance material.
Questions everyone asks
What is citral and where does it come from?
Citral is a lemon-scented aldehyde found naturally in lemongrass and citrus oils, and it is also made synthetically; it is used as a fragrance ingredient.
Is citral an allergen?
Yes. Citral is a recognized fragrance allergen that must be labeled in the EU above set limits and may trigger reactions in fragrance-sensitive people.