Ingredients

Hydroxycitronellal

What hydroxycitronellal does as a fragrance ingredient, why it may appear on labels, and who may prefer fragrance-free products.

ScentIn 16 products we cover

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Quick facts

INCI name
Hydroxycitronellal
CAS number
107-75-5
Origin
Synthetic or Nature-identical (made in a lab)
Chemical class
Aromatic aldehyde (fragrance ingredient)
What it does in a formula
fragrance
Why it is in the formula
Usually added to give a product a fresh, floral fragrance note.
Regulatory notes
An EU fragrance allergen that must be named on cosmetic labels above specified thresholds.

What it is

Hydroxycitronellal is an aromatic compound used as a fragrance ingredient to provide fresh, floral lily-like notes in cosmetics. It can be added as a synthetic aroma chemical or enter formulas through natural essential oils. While its presence is specified on labels for allergen tracking, the name does not describe the complete fragrance blend.

Hydroxycitronellal is one of the fragrance allergens that EU cosmetic rules require to be identified by name above specified thresholds. The requirement can help people who already know they are sensitive to it. On U.S. labels, fragrance components may appear under a general term such as Fragrance or Parfum, so not seeing hydroxycitronellal by name does not prove it is absent from a scented product.

What it does

  • Adds scent. It contributes a floral fragrance note to cosmetics.
  • Can be part of a fragrance blend. It may be used alone or as one component of a broader aroma.
  • Helps label checking. A separate ingredient name can be useful when you are avoiding a known allergen.

Who it suits

This is a fragrance ingredient, not a necessary skin-care active. If you enjoy scented products and have no known allergy to hydroxycitronellal, it may simply be one part of a product’s scent. People with a confirmed allergy should check ingredient lists and follow medical advice. Anyone avoiding fragrance may prefer to skip products that list it.

The ingredient name does not describe every fragrance component in the formula. A product may include other perfume materials, such as fragrance or essential oils. If you react to a product, stop using it and ask a dermatologist for help identifying the cause. Do not assume that one label term explains every reaction.

What to pair it with, and what not to

Hydroxycitronellal is used for scent and does not need to be balanced with another ingredient. There is no skin-care benefit to layering more fragrance around it. If your goal is to avoid fragrance, check the full ingredient list and consider products labeled fragrance-free.

Skin Realist check: Scent is a preference, not a skincare requirement. If your routine is happier without perfume, you are allowed to leave the floral notes on the shelf.

Quick picks with Hydroxycitronellal

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 16 products with Hydroxycitronellal

Daily Moisturizers & Water Gel Creams (4)

Body Creams, Butters & Body Oils (3)

High-Definition Camouflage Concealers (3)

Premium Overnight Recovery Packs & Sleeping Facials (1)

Full-Coverage Camouflage & Liquid Foundations (1)

Face Oils & Treatment Oils (1)

Hydrating Toners, Essence Waters & Face Mists (1)

Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums (1)

Cream & Gel Treatment Masks (1)

Common questions

What is hydroxycitronellal in skincare?

Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance ingredient used for a fresh, floral scent. It may be made synthetically or occur as a fragrance material in aromatic blends.

Why is hydroxycitronellal listed by name?

EU rules require certain fragrance allergens, including hydroxycitronellal, to be named on the label above specified levels. In the United States, fragrance components may be listed under Fragrance or Parfum, so an individual name may not appear.

Who should avoid hydroxycitronellal?

People with a known hydroxycitronellal allergy should check labels and follow their clinician's advice. If you prefer to avoid added fragrance, choose fragrance-free products and check the full ingredient list.

Is hydroxycitronellal naturally occurring?

It can be present in some fragrant plant materials and is also manufactured for use in fragrance. The ingredient name does not tell you the source in a finished product.

Sources