L-Citronellol – A Natural Compound with Broad Applications in Perfumery and Personal Care Industries

Galbora
Oct 22, 2025
2 min read

Introduction: L-Citronellol

L-Citronellol (chemical name: S-3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol) is a natural compound with a floral, citrus, and rose-like odor found in the essential oils of many aromatic plants. Due to its fragrant properties and beneficial bioactivities, it is widely used in perfumery, personal care, cosmetic, and household product industries.

Chemical Structure and Physical Properties

Property	Value
Molecular Formula	C₁₀H₂₀O
Molecular Weight	156.27 g/mol
Flash Point	102 °C
Vapor Pressure (25 °C)	2.26 Pa
Optical Rotation	–5.5° to –3.5°
Appearance	Clear, colorless liquid
Solubility	Soluble in alcohols and oils, insoluble in water
GC Purity	≥ 99%
CAS Number	7540-51-4 / 106-22-9

Sensory Properties and Odor

L-Citronellol possesses a delicate, floral, citrusy, and slightly rose-like aroma that adds freshness and vibrancy to fragrance compositions. This makes it a valuable ingredient in various perfume and scented product formulations.

Applications

1. Perfumery

L-Citronellol is used as a middle and base note in perfumes, providing a clean, natural, and fresh scent. It is common in both feminine and masculine fragrance compositions.

2. Personal Care and Cosmetic Products

Used in shampoos, lotions, soaps, creams, and deodorants as a fragrance agent and mild antibacterial compound.

3. Household Products

Used in fabric softeners, detergents, and room sprays to impart a fresh and floral scent.

Stability in Different Formulations

L-Citronellol shows good stability in most formulations but is sensitive to highly alkaline environments. Stability at various pH levels includes:

Product Type	pH	Stability
Fine Fragrances	3.0	Good
Fabric Softeners	3.0	Good
Deodorants	3.5	Good
Personal Care Products	6.0	Good
Liquid Detergents	9.0	Good
Soaps	10.0	Good
Powder Detergents	11.0	Moderate
Bleaches	14.0	Poor

Typical Use Levels

The typical usage level of L-Citronellol in formulations is less than 10%. This level ensures a desirable fragrance and safety in products.

Conclusion

L-Citronellol is a natural compound with a pleasant fragrance and important functional properties widely used in perfumery, personal care, and household industries. Its good stability in most environments, mild antibacterial property, and ability to impart a fresh, natural scent make it an ideal ingredient in modern formulations.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

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