Citronellol is a widely used aroma chemical and fragrance ingredient valued for its pleasant fresh, sweet, rosy, floral and slightly citrus-like aroma. It occurs naturally in several essential oils, particularly rose, geranium and citronella oils. Citronellol is especially important in perfumery because it provides a soft, natural rose character and blends easily with many floral, citrus, woody and musk materials. Citronellol is an important ingredient for creating rose, geranium and fresh floral accords. It gives fragrances a smooth floral body while adding freshness and a subtle citrus character. It is particularly useful in rose fragrances, where it is frequently blended with Geraniol, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol and Nerol to produce a fuller and more natural rose profile.
Citronellol can be used in fine perfumes, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, colognes, perfume oils, body sprays, floral fragrance compounds, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, creams, lotions, deodorants, candles, diffusers and home-fragrance products. In cosmetics and personal-care products, Citronellol is primarily used to provide or modify fragrance. It can contribute a clean, elegant floral aroma to skin-care, hair-care and bath formulations. It is suitable for products such as lotions, creams, body butters, shower gels, liquid soaps, bar soaps, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and fragranced body products.
INCI Name Citronellol
Chemical Name 3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol
CAS No. 106-22-9
EC No. 203-375-0
Molecular Formula C₁₀H₂₀O
Molecular Weight 156.27 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Fresh, sweet, rosy, floral, slightly citrus-like
Chemical Family Monoterpene alcohol
Function Aroma chemical / Fragrance ingredient
Fragrance Profile: Fresh • Rosy • Floral • Sweet • Citrus-like • Clean
Blends Well With
Citronellol combines particularly well with Geraniol, Nerol, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, Linalool, Rose Absolute, Rose Essential Oil, Geranium Oil, Palmarosa, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Bergamot, Lemon, Sandalwood, Patchouli and musk materials.
Important Formulation Note: Citronellol is a recognized fragrance allergen. When used in a finished cosmetic or fragrance product, its concentration should be evaluated against the applicable IFRA requirements and fragrance-allergen labeling regulations for the intended market.
In simple terms: Citronellol is a classic rose-like aroma chemical used to make perfumes smell softer, fresher, more floral and more naturally rosy.
