What Is Citral (Geranial/Neral)? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 5392-40-5 · Food Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- Citral (Geranial/Neral)
- CAS number
- 5392-40-5
- Grade
- Food Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FAMI-QS · Kosher · Halal · GMP · SGS
- Application areas
- 6
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
Citral (Geranial/Neral) is a premium-quality product supplied by ZEAL BIOTECH under strict quality management with full batch traceability, formulated for Still and carbonated beverages and drink mixes and related applications.
Chemical Name: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal
English Name: Citral; Geranial (trans); Neral (cis)
Applications
Beverages
Fruit, herbal, dairy and functional-drink flavor systems.
Confectionery
Candy, gum, chocolate and filling flavor.
Bakery
Vanilla, butter, spice and baked-good profiles.
Dairy & Ice Cream
Cream, fruit, nut and dessert flavors.
Savory & Culinary
Meat, cheese, broth, sauce and seasoning profiles.
Fragrance & Oral Care
Perfumes, personal care, toothpaste and mouthwash flavor.
Specification
| Aspect | Natural Citral | Synthetic Citral | Derivatives (e.g., Citronellyl Nitrile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source & Claim | Extracted from litsea cubeba, lemongrass. "Natural Flavor" claim possible. | Petrochemical or chemical synthesis (e.g., isoprene method). "Flavor" or "Nature-Identical”. | Chemically modified from citral. Synthetic. |
| Key Advantages | Meets clean-label trends; richer, "natural" aroma profile. | Low cost, stable supply, consistent quality; industry backbone for large-scale applications. | Improved stability (e.g., nitrile stable in alkali), potentially lower allergenicity. |
| Key Disadvantages | High cost, variable supply, subject to agricultural factors. | Cannot claim "natural"; sustainability concerns. | Altered scent; often higher cost. |
| Primary Applications | Premium, organic, and natural cosmetics/flavors. | Mainstream functional perfumery, flavors, industrial intermediate for Vitamin A and ionones. | Specialized solutions for demanding formulations (e.g., high pH, sensitive skin). |
| Market Position | Premium, differentiating segment with faster growth. | Dominant mainstream supplier (>80% global capacity by BASF). | Specialized solution for specific formulation challenges. |
Packaging & Storage
- Packing: 200 kg net HDPE drum with liner; 1,000 kg IBC or tank truck for bulk orders.
- Sample: 100-500g free sample available.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed packaging, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date.
Quality & Certifications
Every batch tested by in-house QC lab. COA, TDS, SDS provided with each shipment.
Regulatory & Compliance
EU
Complies with EU regulations and FAMI-QS standards.
USA
Meets FDA and AAFCO requirements.
China
Registered under Chinese MOA regulations.
International
Kosher, Halal, ISO certified. FTA forms available.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.