A rose-like fragrance molecule found in perfume materials and some plant oils.
Sources: 1No alternative names recorded.
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Citronellol
What it does
Adds scent. Its cosmetic purpose does not require a therapeutic skin benefit.
Sources: 1Good for
- Scented product formulations
How to use it
Use only in a finished product as directed. There is no skincare need to apply the raw fragrance material directly.
Sources: 1Who should be careful
People with diagnosed fragrance allergy should check for citronellol on labels.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
A volatile aroma ingredient; sensitization is distinct from simply perceiving its scent.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis can occur; oxidation products may be relevant for some fragrance materials.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Amount, oxidation and other fragrance components affect the finished material. Allergen labeling rules depend on exposure and jurisdiction.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Flagged
Relevant to fragrance-allergen assessment and labeling; individual allergy needs clinical context.
Sources: 1 - Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
citronellol
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 8842 | PubChem compound 8842: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C10H20O | PubChem compound 8842: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 156.26 g/mol | PubChem compound 8842: chemical identity |
| iupac name | 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol | PubChem compound 8842: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (2)
Scientific sources
- European Commission: Fragrance allergen labelingregulatory guidance
- PubChem compound 8842: chemical identitychemical identity
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