What it is
Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic aldehyde fragrance ingredient prized for its delicate, sweet floral muguet (lily-of-the-valley) odor. It is widely used in perfumery and in the fragrance portion of personal-care products to build floral accords or to mask base odors. In sunscreens it contributes only to scent and has no functional role in protection.
Safety & warnings
Hydroxycitronellal is a well-documented contact allergen and is one of the fragrance substances that must be declared on labels in the EU when present above set thresholds. It can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals, so people with fragrance allergies should approach products containing it with caution.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced industrially, classically by hydration of citronellal.
Questions everyone asks
What is hydroxycitronellal used for?
It is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a soft lily-of-the-valley floral note and helps mask base odors.
Is hydroxycitronellal an allergen?
Yes, it is a recognized fragrance allergen that must be label-declared in the EU above set limits and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.