Citral

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Citral?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citral avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

Citral is a scent ingredient found in perfumes and some plant oils. For newborns and babies (0-6 months) it is more likely to irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction because their skin is very delicate. It’s safest to avoid it in this age group.

What to Do

Choose fragrance-free baby products (lotions, soaps, oils, wipes). Check ingredient lists for the words “citral,” “fragrance,” or “parfum,” and avoid items that smell strongly perfumed. If you must try a product that lists citral, do a small patch test on the baby’s forearm (not the face or diaper area) and watch for 24–48 hours. If the baby has eczema, avoid citral entirely. If any redness, rash, swelling, blisters, or breathing changes happen, stop use and contact your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, swelling, blisters, or trouble breathing after exposure. The warning comes from European hazard labeling and European cosmetics rules that list citral as a potential skin allergen, and from fragrance industry guidance and scientific reports noting strong evidence of allergic reactions. There are also contamination notes (formaldehyde) in the ingredient record. If you see any concerning reaction, stop use and seek medical advice.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: This ingredient is classified as a skin, eye and general irritant by EU GHS hazard labels and is reported to cause irritation of skin, eyes and lungs. That means it can cause redness, stinging or sore eyes and skin reactions on sensitive baby skin.
Immune system: Regulatory sources (the EU Cosmetics Directive) and industry guidance (IFRA) list this chemical as a known human allergen or immune-system toxicant. Peer-reviewed reports also show evidence it can trigger immune reactions, so it can provoke allergic responses in some children.
Eczema: Because it is a known skin allergen and irritant (noted by EU cosmetic rules and fragrance industry reports), it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar skin conditions in people who are sensitive.
Asthma: Lung and respiratory irritation are reported in hazard listings (EU GHS), so inhaling or exposure to this ingredient could make breathing problems or asthma worse in sensitive children.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Citral

This ingredient may also be listed as:

citralGTPL6327CHEMBL1080997CHEBI:137934FEMA 2303SCHEMBL23073DTXSID208812172,6-OCTADIENAL,3,7-DIMETHYL-, REACTION PRODUCTS WITH ET ALC.F0001-1403GRQUNII-T7EU0O9VPP COMPONENT WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-JXMROGBWSA-N

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Citral

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Citral or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Citral

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Citral?

Citral is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the irritant risks of Citral for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Citral for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Citral for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Citral for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Citral?

Citral is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Citral?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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