Ingredient

Citral

A fragrance ingredient (a blend of the aldehydes geranial and neral; the main scent of lemon myrtle and lemongrass) with a sharp, fresh lemon scent, used to add fragrance and flavour; it is one of the aroma substances EU cosmetics law requires to be named on the label because it can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Key facts

INCI name: Citral
Evidence grade: moderate evidence
In our catalog: Found in 83 of the 1,914 products we've decoded
Reviewed: July 2, 2026

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Caffeine

Temporarily de-puffs and brightens the look of tired skin and under-eyes.

Good to know

Fragrance allergencaution

One of the fragrance compounds the EU requires to be declared, because a minority of people react to it.

What it does

moderate evidence

Benefits

Adds a fresh, sharp lemon/citrus scent note to a formula

Side effects

Can cause allergic contact dermatitis (redness, itch, rash) in fragrance-sensitised people, and can be irritating
Citral is itself an oxidation product of citrus terpenes and its aldehydes are skin sensitisers, so air-exposed citrus fragrance can be more allergenic