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Moumoujus

HYDROXYCITRONELLAL.

Avoid CAS 107-75-5 / PERFUMING

Hydroxycitronellal is a synthetic aldehyde commonly used as a fragrance ingredient in a broad spectrum of cosmetic, personal care, and household products. Despite its prevalence, it is widely recognized as a significant dermatologic irritant and allergen, leading to strict regulatory limitations on its inclusion in formulations. Its presence necessitates careful consideration due to its established potential to induce skin sensitization.

Summary

Perfuming

Science

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxycitronellal functions as a recognized chemical allergen, initiating an immune response in susceptible individuals. Exposure can trigger increased histamine release and cell-mediated immunity, which manifests as skin sensitization with symptoms such as redness, bumps, and itchiness.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Hydroxycitronellal is a restricted fragrance ingredient, not typically 'dusted' in the context of beneficial active ingredients. Its inclusion is strictly limited by regulatory bodies due to its allergenic potential, rather than for sub-efficacious amounts.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits good chemical stability, resisting resinification and polymerization over extended periods, and remains clear for years. It is stable in alkaline conditions, making it suitable for soap formulations, and can withstand moderate heat. Stability can be further improved by blending with its alcohol counterpart, hydroxycitronellol, through hemi-acetal formation.

Synergies

  • Hydroxycitronellol (its alcohol counterpart) to enhance stability

Conflicts

  • Highly reactive materials, such as certain other aldehydes, requiring careful evaluation of blend stability

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk High

Hydroxycitronellal is identified as one of the European Union's 26 fragrance allergens, mandating individual disclosure on product labels. Its use in cosmetics is regulated by Annex III of the EC Cosmetics Regulation, following assessment by the SCCS. While the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) generally recommends a maximum level of 1.0% in finished products applied to the skin, more stringent RIFM guidelines specify lower limits for sensitive categories, such as 0.18% for baby creams and leave-on hand/face/body creams. The FDA approves its use in allergenic epicutaneous patch tests for diagnosing contact dermatitis.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

As a potent synthetic fragrance with recognized high sensitization potential and strict regulatory concentration limits, Hydroxycitronellal carries a significant risk for adverse skin reactions, making it an ingredient to avoid in precision skincare, particularly for individuals prone to contact allergies.

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