Citral

Functions
Masking agent
Antiseptic
Insect repellant
Flavouring
Fragrance
Perfuming
CAS Number(s)
5392-40-5
EINECS number(s)
226-394-6
FDA UNII
T7EU0O9VPP

Citral is an aliphatic aldehyde found to occur naturally in lemongrass, lemons, and oranges. It is a clear yellow liquid terpene with a strong lemon-like odor and is used as a flavor in perfumery, cologne, and in soaps. It is not endogenous in humans. Citral is the most abundant and important component in all citrus-derived flavoring agents and peel oils.

Citral is a common cosmetic ingredient thanks to its odor-masking property. It is a food flavoring additive that has "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) status from the FDA. It also has a strong antiseptic effect and boosts preservatives' effectiveness in formulation, prolonging the shelf life of the preparation.

Citral is a monoterpene that has two geometric isomers occurring naturally:

  • Neral (cis-citral; CAS No: 106-26-3; EINECS No: 203-379-2; (Z)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dienal)
  • Geranial (trans-citral; CAS No: 141-27-5; EINECS No: 205-476-5; (E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dienal) .

Both isomers are listed separately in the cosmetic ingredients database and have slightly different properties. Natural oils and extracts containing Citral appear as a mixture in different ratios depending on plant type.

Citral is a good insect repellant and is even used in some pesticides. Unfortunately, this ingredient has caused many cases of sensitization and allergic reactions.

Synonyms
2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal
Neral
Geranial

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