Citronellol
Citronellol is a rose-like fragrance compound found in geranium and rose oils. Like other declared fragrance allergens it must be named on EU cosmetic labels, and it can cause allergic contact dermatitis, so it is flagged for fragrance allergy and sensitive skin.
Citronellol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol in rose and geranium oils, used to give products a fresh, rosy scent.
It is one of the fragrance substances in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 that must be declared by name above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off). It is a recognised fragrance allergen and can aggravate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
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
Citronellol is allowed in EU cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient but is regulated as a restricted substance under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 because of its potential to cause allergy. It is regarded as acceptable at controlled levels for most people, while being a labelled fragrance allergen that can provoke reactions in those already sensitised. This reflects the regulatory status, not personal medical advice.
It is one of the fragrance allergens the EU requires to be named individually rather than grouped under "parfum." Under Annex III as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, citronellol must be declared when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. The explicit listing is a consumer-safety measure so fragrance-allergic users can spot it.
Yes. Citronellol is included in the EU list of established fragrance allergens precisely because it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised people, although it is reported somewhat less often than allergens such as geraniol or citral. Reactions usually appear where the product is applied, and once sensitisation develops it is typically permanent. Avoiding the allergen is the principal way to manage it.
Both forms exist: citronellol occurs naturally in essential oils such as rose, geranium and citronella, and is also produced synthetically, so its origin is classified as "synthetic/plant." It is plant-derived or lab-made rather than animal-derived, so the ingredient itself is not of animal origin. Whether the finished product qualifies as vegan still depends on the rest of the formulation and the brand’s policies.
Many people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin prefer fragrance-free products, since fragrance allergens are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis and compromised skin can be more reactive. Citronellol is not a problem for most users, but if you have a diagnosed fragrance allergy, avoiding the identified allergen is advised. A dermatologist and patch testing remain the authoritative way to know whether citronellol specifically affects you.