Citronellal is a monoterpenoid aldehyde found in citronella, lemongrass, and other essential oils, used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It is one of the EU-recognized fragrance allergens requiring label declaration.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization can occur, particularly in fragrance-sensitive individuals; oxidation products increase allergenic potential. |
Skin irritation | Uncommon | May cause mild irritation, especially at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
Contact urticaria | Rare | Immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been reported infrequently. |
Photosensitivity | Very rare | Rarely associated with photoallergic or phototoxic responses. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.