(+)-Citronellol, which is found in citronella oils, including Cymbopogon nardus (50%), is the more common isomer.

It is mainly obtained by partial hydrogenation of geraniol or nerol over copper chromite catalyst.

[2] Hydrogenation of both C=C bonds using a nickel catalyst gives tetrahydrogeraniol, yet another commercial fragrance.

[2] The United States FDA considers citronellol as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use.

[9][10] In terms of dermal safety, citronellol has been evaluated as an insect repellent.