Citronella Oil

Citronella Oil molecular structure

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Citronella Oil?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citronella Oil 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): citronella oil is not highly toxic, but it can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction in some young children. There is also a noted contamination concern (formaldehyde) and some product programs limit or restrict this ingredient.

What to Do

If you choose to use a citronella product on a toddler: 1) Prefer finished products made and labeled for young children rather than pure essential oil. 2) Do a small patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. 3) Don’t apply undiluted oil to the skin. 4) Avoid the face, hands, and broken skin. 5) Consider applying to clothing rather than directly on skin. 6) Stop use immediately and wash the area if you see redness, swelling, blisters, or if the child seems unusually fussy or has trouble breathing.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, rash, swelling, blisters, or breathing changes — stop use and seek care if these happen. The ingredient report notes a contamination concern with formaldehyde and that some certification programs restrict use of citronella oil; prefer products with clear safety testing and no added formaldehyde or questionable preservatives.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient data flags high contamination concerns and lists formaldehyde as a possible contaminant. Formaldehyde is linked by health authorities to an increased cancer risk, so contaminated citronella oil could carry that long-term risk.
Irritant: The data shows a high contamination concern (formaldehyde) and essential oils can irritate skin. Formaldehyde and similar contaminants can cause redness, itching, or rash when applied to baby skin.
Asthma: The ingredient information lists formaldehyde as a contamination risk. Formaldehyde is known to worsen breathing and can trigger or worsen asthma and respiratory irritation, so contaminated topical use poses that risk.
Banned: The ingredient record notes a product-certification restriction: verified products cannot include this ingredient without special proof. That restriction signals that some safety programs limit or control its use.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Citronella Oil

This ingredient may also be listed as:

citronella oilCITRONELLA OILSCITRONELLA GRASS OILCEYLON TYPE CITRONELLA OILCYMBOPOGON NARDUS (CITRONELLA) ESSENTIAL OILCITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OILCYMBOPOGON NARDUS ESSENTIAL OILOIL OF CYMBOPOGON NARDUSOIL OF CITRONELLACITRONELLA OILCYMBOPOGON NARDUS (CITRONELLA) OIL

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

Common Questions About Citronella Oil

Is this toddler-safe to use Citronella Oil?

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

What are the cancer risks of Citronella Oil for toddlers?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the irritant risks of Citronella Oil 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 asthma risks of Citronella Oil for toddlers?

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

What are the banned risks of Citronella Oil for toddlers?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Citronella Oil?

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

When can toddlers using products with Citronella Oil?

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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