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.
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.
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.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Citral or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Citral safety and effects.
Citral is not recommended for 6-12 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
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.
Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Citral is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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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