Citronellal

Citronellal belongs to the family of terpene aldehydes and is therefore recognized for having the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Hypotensive
• Calming and sedative
• Stomachic and digestive
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antiviral
• Litholytic
• Analgesic

Citronellal is also known to be a mosquito repellent.

For this family of molecules, there is little to no toxicity at usual doses.

However, pure citronellal may cause irritation, so it is necessary to dilute it in 50% carrier oil. For babies and sensitive skin, dilute to 10% essential oil and 90% carrier oil.

Citronellal is a molecule present in the following essential oils:

• Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus)
• Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)