Citron oil (CAS 68991-25-3) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Citron oil
CAS 68991-25-3
What Is Citron oil?
Citron oil is a citrus essential oil extracted from the peel of citron fruits, resembling large, bumpy lemons. It’s found in Mediterranean cuisine, traditional medicines, and citrus-forward perfumes. This oil carries cultural significance in Jewish rituals and ancient perfumery. Citron oil matters because it offers a unique citrus character – less sharp than lemon, with woody-herbal undertones that distinguish it from other citrus oils. Its complex aroma profile makes it valuable for creating sophisticated citrus accords.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Citron oil Smell Like?
Citron oil bursts with an initial bright, lemony freshness that’s immediately recognizable yet distinctly different – rounder and less aggressive than lemon oil. As the top notes settle, a fascinating herbal complexity emerges, reminiscent of lemon verbena with hints of thyme. The dry-down reveals subtle woody undertones and a delicate floral nuance that lingers softly. Unlike sharper citrus oils, citron maintains a warm, almost balsamic quality throughout its evolution, making it exceptionally versatile in perfumery where a citrus note needs endurance and sophistication.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses citron oil for its refined citrus character that avoids lemon’s sharpness, creating a luminous yet sophisticated opening that persists longer than typical citrus top notes.
Incorporates citron oil to provide historical authenticity to its classic Italian cologne formula, where it blends seamlessly with lavender and rosemary.
Showcases citron oil’s full spectrum, from its bright opening to its herbal-woody drydown, creating a mono-citrus fragrance with surprising depth.
Uses citron oil’s herbal complexity to bridge between citrus top notes and oakmoss base, contributing to its legendary freshness-with-depth character.
Features citron oil’s warm citrus quality to complement spicy cinnamon notes without clashing, demonstrating its versatility beyond fresh fragrances.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Citron oil (Citrus medica) is primarily composed of limonene (65-70%) along with significant amounts of γ-terpinene and β-pinene. Unlike lemon oil, it contains higher levels of sesquiterpenes like β-bisabolene which contribute to its warmer, woodier character. The oil is cold-pressed from the flavedo (colored outer peel) of the fruit. Its unique profile comes from cultivar-specific compounds including citropten (a coumarin derivative) and citral isomers in different ratios than other citrus oils. These components create its distinctive balance of freshness and warmth.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 175-180 °C |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
| Density | 0.850-0.860 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.474-1.478 |
| Optical Rotation | +65° to +75° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.23 | 175 | 4.3 | 1.5 mmHg |
| γ-Terpinene | 99-85-4 | 136.23 | 183 | 4.2 | 0.8 mmHg |
| β-Pinene | 127-91-3 | 136.23 | 166 | 4.0 | 2.4 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Provides sophisticated citrus opening |
| Household Products | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Adds fresh scent without harshness |
| Flavorings | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Imparts authentic citrus character |
| Aromatherapy | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used for uplifting yet grounding effects |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use citron oil instead of lemon when you need citrus brightness that won’t disappear quickly or clash with woody base notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Sharper, more straightforward citrus character when maximum brightness is needed. Lacks citron’s herbal-woody complexity.
More floral and exotic citrus alternative with grapefruit-like aspects. Shares citron’s complexity but with different nuances.
For reconstructing citron’s aldehyde character synthetically. Lacks the full spectrum of natural oil’s components.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Citron oil is considered safe at typical use levels in fragrance applications.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene which requires allergen labeling above 0.1% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated citron oil (FEMA 2313) as safe for current use levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
Citron oil is sustainably produced primarily in Mediterranean regions where the trees are well-adapted. The fruit is grown for both its aromatic peel and pulp, minimizing waste. Some producers practice organic cultivation. Unlike some citrus oils, citron isn’t typically a byproduct of juice production, making its supply chain more transparent. Cold-pressing extraction requires minimal energy input compared to distillation processes.
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References
- Dugo, G., & Di Giacomo, A. (2002). Citrus: The Genus Citrus. CRC Press. ISBN 9780203216613
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier. ISBN 9780443062414
- PubChem Compound Summary for Limonene CID 22311
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68991-25-3Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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