Citronellol is a crucial fragrance raw material with wide commercial uses.
Primarily, it serves as a base aroma component for floral fragrances bearing rose notes. It is broadly incorporated into perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, soaps and other cosmetic and personal care products. It is also utilised in food and beverage flavourings to enrich fruity and floral taste profiles.
In addition to flavour and fragrance sectors, citronellol exhibits natural insect repellent activity. It is added to plant-based mosquito and insect repellent formulations. It acts as a key synthetic intermediate to manufacture other fine chemicals, such as citronellal and menthol.
Important regulatory note: Citronellol is a known skin sensitiser. Formulators must comply with regional cosmetic regulations, restrict dosage and clearly declare the ingredient on labels to prevent allergic contact dermatitis.