Citral

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Citral?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Citral not recommended for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months old, citral is a fragrance ingredient that can irritate the skin or trigger allergic rashes. It is not among the top cancer or developmental concerns, but its main issue is causing skin reactions in sensitive people.

What to Do

Pick fragrance-free baby products whenever possible. If a product lists citral or ‘fragrance/parfum,’ avoid putting it on your baby’s face, neck, or areas of broken or red skin. If you must use a product with scent, test a very small amount on a small patch of the baby’s arm and wait 24–48 hours for any reaction before using more.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for new redness, itching, bumps, or swelling after using a product that contains citral. Do not use products with citral on babies who have eczema or persistent dry skin. Sources of these warnings include European labeling and safety guidance (which list citral as a skin allergen and irritant), fragrance industry guidance noting strong evidence of allergenicity, and contamination concerns noting possible formaldehyde contamination in some materials.

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

Can older babies safely use Citral?

Citral is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the irritant risks of Citral for older babies?

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 older babies?

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 older babies?

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 older babies?

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.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Citral?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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