CITRAL DIMETHYL ACETAL
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
The dimethyl acetal of citral providing a fresh, lemon-citrus fragrance; not EU restricted but the citral structural class is a known allergen subject to IFRA declaration requirements.
Citral dimethyl acetal (CAS 7549-37-3) is the protected form of citral (a mixture of geranial and neral), providing the same fresh, lemon-citrus fragrance without the chemical instability of the free aldehyde. While the acetal protection reduces direct allergenicity compared to citral itself, the body can metabolically convert it back to citral, retaining some allergenic potential. EU Annex III requires declaration for citral in cosmetic products, and IFRA guidelines further restrict the citral class of compounds in leave-on applications.
Skin benefits
- Fresh lemon-citrus fragrance
- More chemically stable than free citral
Known concerns
- Citral (released in metabolism) is a documented fragrance allergen
- EU Annex III declaration requirement for citral
- IFRA restrictions for citral class compounds
- Potential cross-reactivity with other fragrance allergens
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.