Roll Call

“Citronellol?”Here!a rose and citronella-scented fragrance compound

FragrancePlant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

In personal care

Citronellol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in rose, geranium, and citronella oils, also produced synthetically for fragrance use.

Why it’s used

It supplies a fresh, rose-citrus note and is widely used in perfume compounds in cosmetics, cleaning products, and personal care items.

What the evidence says

Citronellol is among the 26 fragrance substances identified by the EU as known contact allergens, meaning it can cause skin sensitization in some individuals with repeated exposure. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has reviewed it alongside related fragrance alcohols and found it safe for use at typical concentrations.

Context

EU regulation requires citronellol to be named on the label when present above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, because of its allergy potential.

Rumors

  1. Citronellol causes skin sensitivity and allergic reactions in skincare.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Russell Organics — a brand: sells luxury skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Russell Organics is a luxury skincare brand defined by purity, precision, and a clear understanding of the skin.” (their page)
  2. Citronellol causes allergic contact dermatitis.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Skintique — a retailer: sells professional skincare brands as an authorised UK stockist
      How we know who this is
      • “Skintique is now an authorised UK stockist of Revision Skincare.” (their page)
  3. Citronellol has antimicrobial and antifungal benefits for skin.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Biotulin — a brand: sells pro-age skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Developed through advanced German skincare research, the Biotulin Effect is a pro-age formulation approach designed to deliver visible results and progressively improve skin quality with consistent use.” (their page)
      • “Start Your Pro-Age Skincare System with Biotulin's Bestselling Pro-Age Smoothing Serum Concentrate” (their page)
  4. Citronellol is a common allergen, so people with sensitive skin should avoid it.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Tree To Tub — a brand: sells soapberry-based skincare for sensitive skin
      How we know who this is
      • “Thanks to everyone who supported us and made Tree To Tub a reality!” (their page)
      • “It deserves Soapberry-powered skincare made to cleanse, comfort, and care for skin that’s done with harsh formulas.” (their page)