Citral is a naturally occurring aroma chemical with an intensely fresh, lemon-like scent, used in tiny amounts to give perfumes, soaps, candles and flavours a bright citrus lift. Chemically it is a monoterpene aldehyde (formula C10H16O, CAS 5392-40-5), and Azlok supplies it as a fragrance and flavour raw material in packs from 50 grams up to 20 kilograms.
What exactly is Citral?
Citral belongs to the monoterpene family and is the main compound responsible for the smell of lemongrass and lemon peel. It usually appears as a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a powerful, zesty citrus aroma. In technical terms, "citral" is a mix of two closely related forms amed lcitral (geranial) and cis-citral (neral) that together create that unmistakable clean, sharp lemon note.
Because the aroma is so concentrated, a very small quantity goes a long way. This is a working raw material meant for blending, not a ready-to-use product on its own.
Common uses of Citral
- Perfumery: as a top-note citrus ingredient in cologne-style, fresh and floral accords.
- Soap making: to add a lemony sparkle to cold-process and melt-and-pour bars.
- Candle making: blended into fragrance oils for a crisp citrus throw.
- Home and personal care bases: in cleaners, room sprays and diffuser blends where a clean lemon note is wanted.
- Flavour compounding: as a citrus flavour agent, strictly by qualified food-grade formulators following applicable rules.
How to use it in your blends
Citral is potent, so always work with it diluted and measured by weight, not by guesswork.
- Dilute first. Prepare a 10% solution in a suitable carrier such as perfumer's alcohol or a food-grade solvent so you can dose it accurately.
- Start small. Add a drop or two of the dilution to your base and smell on a scent strip before committing to a larger batch.
- Pair it well. Citral loves company it works beautifully with lemongrass, litsea, orange, bergamot, and light floral notes like geranium.
- Fix the top. Because citrus notes fade fast, balance citral with warmer middle and base notes so the fragrance lasts.
Tips and safety notes
Citral is a functional aroma chemical and deserves careful handling.
- Citral is a known skin sensitiser. Keep it well within recommended usage levels for leave-on and rinse-off products, and always patch-test finished items.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing the neat vapour for long periods.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when weighing and diluting the concentrate.
- Do not ingest the raw material or apply it undiluted to skin.
- Keep it away from children, pets, open flames and direct heat.
- Always read the MSDS and COA supplied with your batch before formulating, especially for commercial products.
Buying and storage
Azlok offers Citral in a wide range of pack sizes from a 50 gram trial pack (priced around Rs 249) up to bulk 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg drums for small businesses and larger workshops. Choosing the right size matters: because the shelf life is roughly two years, hobbyists are usually better off buying smaller quantities they can finish, while regular makers can save by ordering in bulk.
To keep Citral in good condition:
- Store it in a tightly closed, amber or opaque container away from light and heat.
- Keep the lid firmly shut, as citral can oxidise on exposure to air.
- Label the container clearly with the name, date opened and dilution strength.
- Store separately from food and out of reach of children.
Used sensibly and in the right doses, Citral is one of the most versatile citrus building blocks a maker can keep on the shelf small, sharp and unmistakably lemon-fresh.
FAQ
What does Citral smell like?
It has a strong, clean, lemon-like citrus aroma similar to lemongrass and fresh lemon peel. The scent is very concentrated, so only small amounts are needed in a blend.
Is Citral natural or synthetic?
Citral occurs naturally in plants such as lemongrass and lemon myrtle. It can also be produced by synthesis. In both cases the aroma character is the same lively citrus note.
Can I put Citral directly on my skin?
No. Citral should never be applied neat. It is a potential skin sensitiser and must be diluted and used within safe limits inside a finished, tested product. Always patch-test.
How much Citral should I add to a fragrance?
Use it in very small percentages as an accent note. Make a 10% dilution, add a little at a time, and smell as you go rather than pouring the concentrate straight into a batch.
How long does Citral last in storage?
The shelf life is about two years when stored in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Minimising exposure to air and light helps it stay fresh longer.