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Moumoujus

NERAL.

Avoid CAS 106-26-3 / PERFUMING

Neral is a naturally occurring aldehyde and an isomer of Citral, primarily valued for its fresh, lemony scent in perfumery. While possessing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, its classification as a fragrance allergen necessitates cautious use in skincare formulations.

Summary

Perfuming Antimicrobial Antiseptic Antioxidant (potential) Anti-inflammatory (potential) Antibacterial Antifungal Antibiofilm Antiparasitic Antiproliferative

Science

Mechanism of Action

Neral acts as an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent, which can enhance the effectiveness of preservative systems in cosmetic formulations. Research on its isomer, citral, indicates potential antioxidant activity by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, alongside promoting apoptosis, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects within the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Completely inhibited UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in hairless mice by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing apoptotic rate in the skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
1%
Red flag below
Below 1% when marketed for antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits.%

Neral is primarily a fragrance ingredient effective at low concentrations for its scent and preservative-boosting properties. However, for any claims regarding its antioxidant or anti-inflammatory skin benefits, the only available clinical data points to a 1% concentration observed in an animal model. Using Neral below this 1% threshold specifically for these active skin benefits would likely be ineffective and could be considered 'dusting'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 7 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Neral is chemically unstable and highly susceptible to oxidation, polymerization, and discoloration, particularly in aqueous solutions. Its degradation rate is profoundly pH-dependent, exhibiting a significantly longer half-life at a neutral pH of 7 (approximately 230 days) compared to acidic (pH 4, ~9.54 days) or alkaline (pH 9, ~30.1 days) conditions. Therefore, maintaining a neutral pH is critical for its stability.

Synergies

  • Boosts effectiveness of preservatives

Conflicts

  • Low pH (acidic environments)
  • Oxidation
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Skin sensitizers for sensitive skin types

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.15% (for face moisturizers, as per IFRA limits)%
Sensitization risk High

Neral is classified as a fragrance allergen and its presence must be indicated in the ingredients list if concentrations exceed 0.001% in leave-on products (EU Cosmetics Regulation). The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has raised concerns regarding its sensitizing potential. While Neral (as part of Citral) holds 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) status from the FDA for food flavoring, this does not equate to a cosmetic safety assessment. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) provides restriction limits for Citral in finished products, with sensitization identified as a critical effect. For example, IFRA limits for face moisturizers are up to 0.15%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite some intriguing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties observed in animal studies, Neral's primary role as a fragrance ingredient combined with its high potential for skin sensitization and classification as an allergen make it an ingredient to avoid for precision skincare.

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