Ingredient · Updated
Citral
Found in 43 productsSee all
Heretic Dirty Vanilla Eau de Parfum 
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & Hinoki 
Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil 
Abel Cyan Nori Eau de Parfum 
Rosy & Earnest Be Rosy Eau de Parfum 
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 
Sukin 455431 Botanical Body Wash Lime Coconut 
Schmidt's Rose & Vanilla Natural Deodorant What is Citral?
Citral is a natural component found in the oils of several plants, including lemongrass, lemon myrtle, and orange. It is primarily composed of two isomers: geranial and neral, which contribute to its lemon-like scent.
Citral is widely used in the flavor and fragrance industry due to its strong citrus aroma. It is commonly found in deodorants, perfumes, and cleaning products. Some studies suggest that citral may have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, but evidence on long-term safety is limited.
When you see citral on a product label, it typically indicates the presence of a natural citrus scent. While generally regarded as safe in typical use levels, it may cause skin irritation in some people.
Commonly found in: Deodorant, Fragrances, Hand Sanitizer, Cleaning Products, Perfumes
What to watch
- Citral can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Its use in high concentrations is associated with skin sensitization.
Benefits
- Citral provides a natural citrus fragrance.
- It may have antimicrobial properties.
Citral is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used according to good manufacturing practices.
Research indicates potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, but evidence on long-term effects and safety is limited.
Citral is plant-derived and typically acceptable for vegan consumers.
Sources: GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database · A review of the antimicrobial properties of citral
Scout's take
IFRA / EU-declared fragrance allergen; required on the label because it exceeds 0.001% in this leave-on product. IFRA restricts maximum use levels in leave-on products because of its high contact-allergy rate.
The case against
Citral can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
from the analysis of Sukin 455431 Botanical Body Wash Lime Coconut · echoed in 2 other analysesPotential for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
from the analysis of Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & Hinoki · echoed in 1 other analysisThere are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in very sensitive individuals.
from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamMay cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions.
from the analysis of NEST NEW YORK Wall Diffuser Refill BambooPotential allergen that may cause skin irritation.
from the analysis of Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Wall Plug RefillThe case for
It provides a fresh, citrus scent to the product.
from the analysis of Salt & Stone Deodorant - Neroli & Basil · echoed in 2 other analysesOffers a strong lemon scent and is used in aromatherapy for its uplifting properties.
from the analysis of Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Wall Plug RefillIt provides a fresh lemon scent and may have antimicrobial properties.
from the analysis of Drift Car Scent Wood Refill Open AirIt provides a fresh, lemon-like scent to cosmetic products.
from the analysis of Sukin 455431 Botanical Body Wash Lime CoconutIt provides a lemon scent to the product.
from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamMore from Scout's analyses
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
from the analysis of Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant - Bergamot & HinokiIFRA / EU-declared fragrance allergen; required on the label because it exceeds 0.001% in this leave-on product. IFRA restricts maximum use levels in leave-on products because of its high contact-allergy rate.
from the analysis of Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de ParfumLemony fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
from the analysis of Bath & Body Works PocketBac Japanese Cherry Blossom Hand SanitizerAll 43 products with Citral
+ 19 more products in the Scout app
Where Citral shows up
- Fragrances 33 products
- Air Fresheners 4 products
- Deodorant 3 products
- Body Lotion 1 product
- Body Care 1 product
- Hand Sanitizer 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Citral
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Citral, scoring 80 or above.
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