Citronellal

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name — 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-al

• 📂 CAS N° — 106-23-0

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight — Approx. 154.25 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Citrus / Fresh

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to strong (not explicitly quantified)

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Bright lemony, green, slightly floral; reminiscent of lemongrass and rose leaf

• ⚗️ Uses — Citrus and floral accord construction, lemongrass fantasy notes, rose and tea leaf lifting, insect repellent formulations

• 🧴 Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Citronellal?

Citronellal is a synthetic analog of a natural compound predominantly found in Cymbopogon species (e.g., lemongrass and citronella oils). It is a key material in both functional and fine perfumery, classified chemically as a monoterpenoid aldehyde. Thanks to its relatively simple structure, it is produced at scale via both isolation from essential oils and chemical synthesis from citronellol or other intermediates.

Olfactively, citronellal offers a distinct citrus character with fresh and green facets, often described as “clean lemon” or “lemongrass-like.” At controlled concentrations, it imparts naturalistic citrus freshness and modulates floral accords, particularly rose and muguet bases.

Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications

Citronellal is appreciated for its:

• Zesty top note quality, ideal for summer and freshness-driven perfumes

• Lift in floral bouquets, especially rose and neroli structures

• Citrus-tea compositions, adding a lemon peel sharpness without sourness

• Lemongrass and herbal profiles, where it reinforces clean, green elements

It is used in:

• Colognes and light eau de toilettes for citrus freshness

• Rose modifiers, enhancing petal brightness and realism

• Oriental-floral hybrids, where it introduces contrast and dynamic diffusion

• Functional perfumery, including soaps, shampoos, and home care products

Typical usage levels:

• Fine fragrance: 0.05% – 1%

• Body care: 0.1% – 0.5%

• Functional cleaning: 0.2% – 1%

• Insect repellents: up to 5%, especially in citronella-type formulations

Industrial, Flavor, and Therapeutic Uses

Citronellal is also used in:

• Flavorings (mint blends, citrus candies, herbal teas – under FEMA GRAS 2302)

• Insect repellents, particularly against mosquitoes

• Aromatherapy and research contexts, investigated for antinociceptive and antioxidant properties

Its versatility across industries highlights its functional value beyond perfumery.

Regulatory and Safety Overview

• IFRA Restrictions — Category-dependent; sensitizer potential at high concentrations

• EU Allergen Declaration — Required on cosmetic packaging if concentration exceeds 0.001% (rinse-off) or 0.01% (leave-on)

• FEMA GRAS Number — 2302

• REACH — Fully registered

• Toxicology — Generally considered safe within limits; skin sensitization possible with overuse

• Storage — Stable; store away from light and oxidizing agents

✅ Use in fragrances should always align with the latest IFRA safety guidelines.

Additional Insights

• Synthetic vs Natural Sources — Citronellal can be produced via fractional distillation of citronella oil or fully synthetic processes, depending on cost and sustainability priorities. Both are chemically identical but may vary in trace impurities.

• Blending Behavior — Citronellal integrates well with citral, citronellol, geraniol, and eugenol, forming the aromatic backbone of lemongrass, muguet, and verbena accords.

• Stability Considerations — Being an aldehyde, citronellal can undergo oxidation; stabilizers or antioxidants may be used in concentrated formulas.

Sources

• Quintans-Júnior et al. (2011), Journal of Medicinal Food

• Fulvio Ciccolo, Creative Base Design Notes

• IFRA Standards Documentation

• Formulation Stability Testing Notes – Scentspiracy Studio (2024)

• Perfumery Raw Materials Handbook, Internal Training (2023)