Citronellol
Also known as Citronellol, (±)-3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol, dl-citronellol, beta-citronellol
“EU SCCS says: restricted.”
Citronellol is an acyclic monoterpenoid alcohol used widely as a rose-citrus fragrance ingredient. CIR has not independently assessed citronellol — the program defers safety review of fragrance-only ingredients to the RIFM Expert Panel (REXPAN) and IFRA Standards. The 2023 RIFM safety assessment (Api et al., Food Chem Toxicol 182S1:114150) concluded existing data support continued use as described in the assessment. EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III Entry 86 lists citronellol (CAS 106-22-9 / 26489-01-0) as one of the 26 mandatory-disclosure fragrance allergens, requiring label declaration above 0,001% in leave-on products or 0,01% in rinse-off products. SCCS/1459/11 (Dec 2011) places citronellol in List B (less frequently reported but documented allergens) and includes it at 0.5% in Fragrance Mix II for clinical patch testing. Multiple peer-reviewed studies (Rudbäck 2014, Hagvall 2020, Sahli 2022) establish that pure citronellol is largely non-allergenic, but autoxidation in air produces hydroperoxides that are the principal skin sensitizers — oxidized citronellol detects sensitization in 0.61–4.5% of dermatitis patients vs 0.15–0.31% for purified material.
Rose-citrus odor profile widely used in perfumery, personal care, and household products; one of the most frequently used fragrance compounds globally
RIFM (2023, PMID 37898237) Expert Panel concluded existing information supports the use of dl-citronellol as described in the safety assessment; data show dl-citronellol is not genotoxic
Mandatory EU disclosure threshold gives sensitized consumers actionable label information to avoid exposure (Annex III labeling regime serves the consumer-protection function rather than implying ingredient is unsafe at use levels)
- · Regulated EU fragrance allergen (Annex III Entry 86): label declaration required above 0,001% (leave-on) or 0,01% (rinse-off) due to documented sensitization potential
- · Autoxidation in air produces hydroperoxides identified as the primary skin sensitizers; pure citronellol is largely non-allergenic but allergenicity develops with product age and air exposure
- · Patch test prevalence rates: oxidized citronellol elicits positive reactions in 0.61–4.5% of dermatitis patients — substantially higher than purified material (0.15–0.31%)
- · CIR has not independently assessed citronellol — safety oversight is delegated to RIFM Expert Panel (REXPAN) and IFRA Standards rather than through the CIR public safety assessment process
Component of Fragrance Mix II screening (SCCS/1459/11), the standard clinical tool for assessing fragrance contact allergy; co-occurs frequently with geraniol, linalool, and limonene in citrus/rose compositions
SCCS/1459/11 Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetic Products (adopted 13-14 December 2011) — Citronellol named in List B (CAS 106-22-…
“Citronellol 106-22-9”— sccs_o_073.pdf, p. 9 (List B)
EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (Restricted Substances) — Entry 86: Citronellol, CAS 106-22-9 / 26489-01-0; fragrance allergen labeling…
“0,001 % in leave-on products”— EU Reg 1223/2009 Annex III, Entry 86