What Is Citral Fg?
Citral Fg is an aroma molecule that chemists first documented in the late 1800s while studying lemongrass oil. Even though it was identified more than a century ago it remains a pillar of modern fragrance work because of its versatility and wide availability.
Today the material is produced in two main ways. It can be physically separated from essential oils such as lemongrass or litsea cubeba, or it can be synthesized in large reactors starting from derivatives of crude-oil based feedstocks. Both routes give a product that is chemically identical to what is found in nature, so Citral Fg is classed as nature identical rather than an entirely synthetic novelty.
At room temperature it appears as a clear liquid that may take on the faintest yellow tint when exposed to light or air for prolonged periods. The liquid is free flowing and not syrupy, which makes it simple to weigh and pour during formula work.
Because the raw material is produced on an industrial scale it is usually considered a budget friendly building block. Perfumers can reach for it freely without worrying that it will break the cost ceiling of a commercial brief.
Citral Fg shows up in countless compositions, from prestige fine fragrance all the way to shampoos and candles. Its long history and broad safety dossier have made it a staple on the perfumer’s organ.
What Does Citral Fg Smell Like?
Citral Fg sits squarely in the citrus family.
Off a blotter the first impression is that of freshly grated lemon peel. It delivers a sparkling freshness with a naturalistic zest rather than a candy lemon tone. Behind the lemon you may pick up subtle facets reminiscent of grapefruit pith and a whisper of green herbs that keep the profile from feeling one-dimensional.
In the traditional top, middle and base note framework Citral Fg is firmly a top note. It flashes quickly out of the blend giving an immediate burst of brightness that invites the wearer in. As the minutes pass it recedes and makes room for the heart of the perfume, though a slight citrus hue can linger into the early drydown.
Projection is assertive during the first half hour, meaning the scent diffuses readily into the air around the blotter. Longevity is moderate; expect the distinct citrus character to last one to two hours on paper before it thins out considerably. Blenders often anchor it with longer lasting citrus modifiers or woody bases when a more extended citrus presence is required.
How & Where To Use Citral Fg
Citrals can be tricky but Citral Fg is one of the friendlier ones. It pours easily, measures cleanly and gives an instant lift to a trial blend so most perfumers enjoy having it on hand.
The molecule is a classic top-note booster. When a lemon or lime facet needs to sparkle nothing does the job faster. It is often paired with bergamot, orange oil or petitgrain to sharpen their impact and make them feel freshly squeezed. In a citrus accord it supplies the bright zest while other materials such as limonene give volume and iso e super stretches the life of the effect.
Perfumers also reach for Citral Fg to freshen fruity or floral themes. A trace in a strawberry accord makes the berry smell juicier. A small touch in a rose heart adds a sunny glow that reads as natural daylight. Whenever a composition feels dull or heavy a drop of Citral Fg can open the window and let air inside.
Its use level varies with the job. In fine fragrance it often sits between 0.2 % and 3 % of the total formula. Cologne styles may climb to 8 % or more. Flavours and room sprays can go higher still, the technical literature placing the ceiling at about 25 % before the note becomes too linear or irritant limits kick in. At very low traces the material reads more leafy and green; at higher percentages it is unmistakably lemon peel.
Applications are broad but not endless. Citral Fg works well in alcohol based perfumes, shampoos, shower gels, soaps and candles. It can struggle in high-alkaline detergents or bleach cleaners where it oxidises and loses punch, so stabilisers or antioxidants are advised if you must use it there.
No special prep is needed beyond the usual care. It blends smoothly with most solvents. If you plan to keep an open drum for several weeks consider adding a nitrogen blanket or antioxidant to slow oxidation. Store the working bottle in a cool dark spot and always recap tightly after use.
Safely Information
When working with any aroma molecule a few simple precautions keep the lab safe and healthy.
- Always dilute before evaluation: make a 1 % alcohol solution or lower before smelling to avoid nose fatigue and irritation
- Avoid direct sniffing: do not inhale straight from the bottle, use a blotter or smelling strip instead
- Work in good ventilation: open windows or use a fume hood so vapours do not build up
- Wear basic protective gear: gloves prevent skin contact, safety glasses guard against splashes
- Mind potential sensitisation: Citral Fg is classified Skin Sens. 1, Eye Irrit. 2 and Skin Irrit. 2 so repeated exposure can lead to reactions
- Health considerations: some people develop allergies to citral, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a medical professional before prolonged handling; brief low-level exposure is normally safe but long or high-level exposure can cause harm
Always review the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product type, revisiting both documents often as updates are common.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions fresh Citral Fg usually stays within spec for about two years. Many labs still find it perfectly usable at the three-year mark as long as color and odour remain clean.
A refrigerator set between 4 °C and 8 °C is helpful but not essential. A shelf in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources works for day-to-day storage. Sudden temperature swings speed up oxidation so aim for a steady climate.
Use bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. They form a tight seal that limits air exchange. Dropper bottles look handy yet often let in oxygen which dulls the lemon sparkle within weeks.
Try to keep containers as full as possible. Transferring the remainder to a smaller vial once a bottle drops below half volume cuts headspace and slows colour shift.
Label every container clearly with the material name batch date and the phrases “Skin sensitiser” and “Eye irritant.” Good labels prevent mix-ups and remind colleagues to wear gloves.
Citral Fg is considered readily biodegradable but never pour the neat liquid down the drain. For small residues mix with an inert absorbent like sand then place in a sealed bag for chemical waste collection. Larger volumes should go to a licensed disposal contractor where they will be treated or incinerated under controlled conditions. Rinse empty bottles with soap and water, let them dry, then recycle the glass if local rules allow.
Summary
Citral Fg is a nature-identical lemon peel molecule prized for its punchy citrus snap. It smells like freshly zested lemon with hints of grapefruit pith and a leafy green edge.
In perfumery it brightens colognes, invigorates fruity and floral accords and adds realism to nearly any scent that wants a sunny top note. The material is affordable, fun to experiment with and fits into fine fragrance, soap, shampoo, candles and more.
Popularity stems from its low cost and instant freshness yet users must watch its limited stability. Keep it cool, cap it tight and plan for antioxidants if the formula will sit in harsh bases. Treat it as a short-lived star that needs supporting players to extend the citrus effect.
Handle it with care, store it smartly and Citral Fg will repay you with that unmistakable squeeze-of-lemon sparkle every time you reach for the bottle.