In our reference data, Citral is an EU-declared allergen.
Citral is a naturally occurring aldehyde found in citrus and lemongrass oils, used in cosmetics primarily for its fresh, lemon-like scent. It is a recognized fragrance allergen rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | A documented fragrance sensitizer; reactions more likely in fragrance-allergic individuals. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Can cause redness or stinging, especially at higher concentrations. |
| Oxidation-related sensitization | Uncommon | Air-oxidized citral forms more potent sensitizers, increasing allergy risk over time. |
| Phototoxicity | Rare | Reported in association with citrus-derived components; generally low for purified citral. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.