Citral in skincare
A fragrance mixture with citrus notes.
What is citral?
A fragrance mixture with citrus notes. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Citral. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does citral do for skin and the product?
Used to add scent to cosmetics.
Fragrance plays a role in the product experience but is not needed to retain moisture. Fragrance ingredients can be natural or synthetic. Both may be relevant for fragrance allergies.
Seeking fragrance-free products also means considering individual fragrance ingredients and essential oils.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about citral
What does citral do in skincare?
Used to add scent to cosmetics.
What should I know about citral?
Seeking fragrance-free products also means considering individual fragrance ingredients and essential oils.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations