Citral
Citral is a lemon-scented compound from lemongrass and citrus oils, used to add a fresh scent. It is an EU-labelled fragrance allergen and a known skin sensitiser, often formulated with quenchers to reduce reactions, so it is flagged for fragrance allergy and sensitive skin.
Citral is the main aromatic component of lemongrass and is present in lemon and orange oils, giving a sharp citrus scent.
It is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 and must be declared by name above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off). Citral is an established contact allergen; manufacturers sometimes add quenchers to lower its sensitising potential, but people with a fragrance allergy should still avoid it.
Who this affects
Caution
- Fragrance allergy: A labelled EU fragrance allergen; a recognised contact sensitiser.
- Sensitive skin & eczema: A fragrance-derived allergen that can irritate reactive or eczema-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
Citral is permitted in EU cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient but is regulated under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as a restricted, labelled allergen. It is acceptable at controlled concentrations, though it is a known skin sensitiser whose allergenicity increases as it oxidises on air exposure. This is the regulatory position rather than individual medical advice.
Citral is a lemon-scented fragrance material made up of two isomers, geranial and neral, which are grouped and declared together as "CITRAL." EU law requires it to be named on the ingredient list when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products, under Annex III as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545. The declaration helps fragrance-allergic consumers identify it.
Yes. In a study of 1,476 dermatitis patients, citral gave positive patch-test reactions in about 2.9% (geranial 3.4%, neral 1.9%), confirming it as a relevant contact allergen. Its allergenic aldehydes can also form from the oxidation of related fragrance terpenes such as geraniol. Once sensitised, a person usually reacts on re-exposure, and avoidance is the main management strategy.
Citral occurs naturally in essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon myrtle and citrus peel, and is also produced synthetically, so its origin is classed as "synthetic/plant." Because it comes from plants or is lab-made rather than from animals, citral itself is not an animal ingredient. Whether a product is vegan depends on its full ingredient list and the brand’s stance.
Caution is reasonable, especially in older or air-exposed products, because citral is a sensitiser whose allergenic potential rises with oxidation, and fragrance allergens are a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis. People with eczema or sensitive skin often choose fragrance-free formulas. If you have a known fragrance allergy, avoid the identified allergen; patch testing by a dermatologist is the authoritative way to confirm a citral allergy.