Is Citral Safe in Makeup?

Yes, citral is generally safe in cosmetics when used within regulatory limits.

Citral is a naturally occurring fragrance compound found in citrus oils and lemongrass. It's used in makeup and skincare products to add a fresh, lemony scent. The EU regulates citral under restriction III/70, meaning it must be declared on ingredient lists when present above certain concentrations.

The main concern with citral is potential skin sensitization. Like many fragrance ingredients, it can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with sensitive skin or existing fragrance allergies. Reactions typically include contact dermatitis, redness, or irritation.

Who should avoid it: People with known fragrance sensitivities or citrus allergies should skip products containing citral.

Found in 53 products on ShadeVault, citral appears in everything from foundations to lip products. If you're fragrance-sensitive, look for "fragrance-free" formulas instead of products that simply smell neutral — they may still contain citral or other fragrance compounds.