Citral

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Citral?

⚠️
USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citral use with caution for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1-2 years), citral is a moderate concern. It’s a fragrance ingredient that often causes skin irritation or allergic rashes in sensitive people. Many toddlers will not have a problem with very small accidental contact, but their skin is more sensitive than older children or adults.

What to Do

Choose fragrance-free products for your toddler whenever possible. If a product lists “citral” or simply “fragrance/parfum,” avoid using it on your child’s skin—especially on the face, neck, or diaper area. If you must try a product, do a small patch test on the inner forearm and wait 48 hours to check for redness, bumps, or itch. Use very small amounts the first time and avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin. Stop use immediately if you see any rash, swelling, blisters, or persistent redness and speak with your child’s pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, swelling, blisters, or any new rash after using a product that lists citral or fragrance. European hazard labeling lists citral as a skin irritant, and European cosmetics rules require labeling because it is a common allergen. There are also contamination reports (for example, traces of formaldehyde in some samples). Some product verification programs restrict or avoid this ingredient unless manufacturers supply safety data. If your toddler has a history of eczema or very sensitive skin, avoid citral-containing products entirely.

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 toddler-safe to use Citral?

Use caution with Citral for 1-2 year old toddlers. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the irritant risks of Citral for toddlers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the immune system risks of Citral for toddlers?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the eczema risks of Citral for toddlers?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the asthma risks of Citral for toddlers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Citral?

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

When can toddlers using products with Citral?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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