In our reference data, Hydroxycitronellal is an EU-declared allergen.
Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, valued for its sweet, floral, lily-of-the-valley scent. It serves no skin-treatment purpose and functions purely to add fragrance.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A recognized fragrance allergen; positive patch-test reactions are seen in fragrance-sensitive individuals and it is included in standard fragrance screening series. |
| Skin sensitization | Uncommon | Can induce sensitization with repeated exposure; EU regulations require its declaration on labels when present above set thresholds. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritant reactions such as redness or itching may occur, particularly in those with sensitive skin. |
| Photoallergic or photoaggravated reactions | Very rare | Occasionally reported in association with fragrance allergy, though uncommon for this specific compound. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.