Citronellol plays an important role in fragrance, cosmetics, personal care and home care formulations. Manufacturers value this ingredient for its fresh rosy–citrus aroma, excellent blending behavior and reliable performance as a fragrance fixative in fine perfumes.
As a trusted chemical trading company representing itself as a chemical Supplier and Distributor, Triveni Chemicals supplies high-purity Citronellol to B2B clients across India and global markets.
This blog explains Citronellol from a technical, manufacturing and perfumery viewpoint to help formulators and fragrance buyers understand its aroma profile, industry uses and formulation benefits.
Citronellol is an acyclic monoterpenoid alcohol widely used in perfumery, cosmetics and home fragrance manufacturing.
The Citronellol formula is C₁₀H₂₀O, and its IUPAC name is 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol.
Industries use Citronellol to create:
Citronellol appears as a clear, colourless liquid with a soft floral and mild citrus character. Because it resembles components found in geranium oil, many formulators describe it as a geranium-like fragrance ingredient suitable for modern perfumery.
Citronellol naturally occurs in several aroma-rich plants. Manufacturers often ask about the citronellol plant sources, and the ingredient mainly comes from:
These essential oils contribute to Citronellol’s sweet, fresh and rosy aroma, making it one of the most widely used floral ingredients across the global perfume ingredient chemical market.
Manufacturers use both natural and synthetic Citronellol depending on cost, performance and label requirements.
|
Feature |
Natural Citronellol |
Synthetic Citronellol |
|
Source |
Extracted from essential oils (rose, geranium, citronella) |
Produced through chemical synthesis |
|
Aroma |
Slightly complex, natural floral–citrus tone |
Very consistent rosy–citrus aroma |
|
Cost |
Higher due to limited natural supply |
More economical for bulk production |
|
Stability |
Can vary based on seasonal crops |
Highly stable and uniform |
|
Usage |
Natural perfumes, clean-label products |
Fine fragrance, cosmetics, home care & industrial use |
Citronellol exists in two major optical isomers, and each one contributes differently to a fragrance.
R-Citronellol naturally occurs in rose and geranium oils. It offers a softer, rounder and more realistic rosy aroma, which makes it highly preferred in fine fragrances and high-end floral compositions. It also enhances natural floral character and blends smoothly with rose-based formulas.
S-Citronellol commonly appears in citronella-derived extracts. It carries a slightly sharper citrus tone compared to the R-isomer. Perfumers and manufacturers use it in soaps, detergents, home fragrances and functional products where a bright citrus–floral profile works well.
Citronellol delivers a fresh rosy–citrus aroma with a soft floral sweetness and a mild lemon-like freshness. Perfumers describe its scent as rosy, smooth, slightly sweet, bright and uplifting.
This profile makes Citronellol a valuable middle note perfumery ingredient, helping bridge citrus top notes and woody or musky base notes. Its balanced floral character works perfectly in modern fragrances for fine perfumery, personal care and home fragrance products.
Formulators primarily use Citronellol (CAS No. 106-22-9) as a reliable middle note.
Geraniol, Linalool, Nerol, Lavender, Citronellal, Rose oil.
If you want to understand similar fragrance ingredients, explore our detailed blogs on Citronellal and Linalool, which are widely used in perfumery and personal care formulations.
|
Feature |
Citronellol |
Citronella Oil |
|
Type |
Aroma chemical |
Essential oil |
|
Aroma |
Rosy, floral, citrus-fresh |
Sharp, lemon-grass |
|
Usage |
Perfumes, cosmetics, home care |
Repellents, outdoor oils |
|
Odour Strength |
Soft |
Strong |
|
Nature |
Acyclic monoterpenoid alcohol |
Natural oil blend |
This comparison helps formulators understand the distinction between Citronellol vs Citronella Oil, which are often confused due to similar names.
Citronellol has become a preferred material for perfumers designing long-lasting and modern floral fragrances. Its clean rosy-green character brings elegance to both luxury and mass-market fragrances.
Citronellol provides natural rosy brightness, strengthens floral heart notes, softens stronger ingredients like geraniol and lifts essential oils to achieve a premium finishing effect.
Citronellol supports clean fragrance trends due to its botanical origins, biodegradable profile and compatibility with natural essential oils. It helps formulators reduce the need for heavy synthetic boosters while maintaining performance.
Yes. It is safe when used according to citronellol IFRA standards for cosmetics and personal care.
Citronellol is also known as dihydrogeraniol.
It is used in perfumes, cosmetics, hair care, household fragrances and insect repellent formulations.
Citronellol smells more rosy-citrus and soft, while Geraniol is sweeter and more intense. Citronellol works mainly in middle notes; Geraniol lifts top–middle floral notes.
Yes. Citronellol is a listed fragrance allergen, and manufacturers must declare it on product labels when it exceeds regulatory limits.
Citronellol is a versatile and high-value fresh rosy–citrus aroma chemical used across fine fragrance, cosmetics, home fragrance and repellent formulations. Its compatibility, stability, blending behaviour and cost-effectiveness make it essential for modern fragrance development.
Triveni Chemicals, as a trusted chemical trading company, supplies and distributes high-purity Citronellol for B2B clients. We support manufacturers with consistent quality, bulk availability and reliable technical guidance for large-scale fragrance and cosmetic formulation.
