Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Citronellol

Citronellol, or dihydrogeraniol, is a natural acyclic monoterpenoid. Both enantiomers occur in nature. (+)-Citronellol, which is found citronella oils, including Cymbopogon nardus (50%), is the more common isomer. (−)-Citronellol is found in the oils of rose (18-55%) and geranium.[1]

Citronellol is used in perfumes and insect repellents,[2] and as a mite attractant.[3]

Health & Safety information

Health & Safety information

The United States FDA considers citronellol as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe for food use).[4] Citronellol should be avoided by people with perfume allergy.[5]

See also

See also


References

References

  1. Lawless, J., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils ISBN 1-85230-661-0
  2. Taylor WG, Schreck CE. Chiral-phase capillary gas chromatography and mosquito repellent activity of some oxazolidine derivatives of (+)- and (-)-citronellol, J Pharm Sci. 1985 May;74(5)pp534-9.
  3. US EPA Citronellol Fact Sheet
  4. US EPA Citronellol Fact Sheet
  5. Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in massage oils
External links

de:Citronellol

Template:Alcohol-stub

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH