Citral

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Citral?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citral use with caution for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For school-age children (5 years and up): citral is a fragrance that can irritate the skin or cause an allergic rash in some kids. Many children tolerate small amounts in lotions, shampoos, or soaps, but children with sensitive skin or eczema are more likely to react.

What to Do

If a product lists citral, use it only when needed and in small amounts. Before wide use, do a patch test on the inside of the forearm and wait 24–48 hours to check for a reaction. Avoid applying products with citral to cuts, sores, or already-irritated skin. Prefer fragrance-free products for everyday use, especially for children with eczema or very sensitive skin. Keep undiluted essential oils and strong fragrance blends out of reach — they can contain much higher levels. Choose products from reputable brands that list full ingredients and follow safety rules.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, swelling, blisters, or a new rash after using a product that contains citral — stop use and see your pediatrician if these occur. Be cautious with strong scents if your child has asthma or breathing sensitivity; strong fragrances can trigger coughing or breathing trouble. Note: European hazard labeling codes, the EU cosmetics allergen-listing rules, fragrance-industry guidance, and peer-reviewed reports list citral as a skin allergen/irritant, and some reports flag possible contamination (for example, formaldehyde) in poorly controlled products, so prefer labeled, well-regulated brands.

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 kid-friendly to use Citral?

Use caution with Citral for 5+ year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the irritant risks of Citral for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the immune system risks of Citral for children?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the eczema risks of Citral for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What are the asthma risks of Citral for children?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What products contain Citral?

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

When can kids start using products with Citral?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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