Citral
Citral
- Role
- A lemon-type scent molecule used in fragrances.
- Catalog formulas
- 19
- Type
- Scent
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Contributes to the scent of the blend. In 2024 the SCCS assessed citral separately for sensitisation risk and found it safe at the concentrations proposed by industry.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In an antiperspirant or deodorant it only contributes to the scent and does not reduce sweating. Its presence in the list means the product is fragranced.
In the EU it is on the list of fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 70): it must be named separately in the ingredient list above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. EU Regulation 2026/909 limits it to 0.032% in deodorants and antiperspirants; new products must comply from 1 January 2027, and non-compliant products may no longer be sold from 1 July 2028.
The 2012 SCCS opinion lists it as an established contact allergen in humans, with 101 to 1,000 positive patch-test reactions reported, which places it among the allergens of special concern.
Citral consists of two isomers, geranial and neral; the EU requires them to be listed under the single name Citral.
Products containing Citral
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex III, entry 70 (Citral) Supports: restrictions, allergen labelling
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/909 Supports: restrictions, deadlines
- SCCS/1459/11: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products Supports: allergenicity assessment