Evidence supporting the use of: Citral
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citral is a naturally occurring compound found in the essential oils of several plants, most notably lemongrass and lemon myrtle. Its use in skin care is primarily justified by traditional practices, particularly within aromatherapy and folk medicine. Traditionally, citral-containing oils have been used for their pleasant fragrance, refreshing feel, and purported skin-cleansing properties. There is some anecdotal support for its use as an antimicrobial and antiseptic, which has led to its inclusion in various skin care products, especially those targeting general skin health, freshness, or mild cleansing.

However, robust scientific validation for citral’s specific benefits in general skin care is limited. While some in vitro studies indicate that citral may exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities, these effects have not been consistently demonstrated in clinical trials or comprehensive dermatological studies. Additionally, citral is known to be a potential skin sensitizer or allergen, which can limit its suitability for sensitive individuals. In summary, while citral’s inclusion in skin care is rooted in tradition and some basic laboratory findings, there is limited clinical evidence directly supporting its efficacy for general skin care benefits.

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Products containing Citral

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.