What is it?
Citral is a naturally occurring organic compound known for its strong, lemony fragrance. It belongs to the family of terpenoids and is commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products for its aromatic properties. Citral is often found in essential oils and is widely appreciated for its ability to impart a fresh, citrus scent to formulations.
Where does it come from?
Citral is primarily derived from the essential oils of citrus fruits, such as lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora). It is also present in other citrus oils, including lemon and orange oils. The compound is extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing of these plants, yielding a potent form that is used in various skincare and cosmetic products.