What Citróleo Group does

Citroleum Group is a privately held Brazilian manufacturer of natural raw materials and active ingredients for the personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, and pet care industries, founded in 1984 in Torrinha, S\u00e3o Paulo. Its portfolio spans six sub-brands (CitroNature, CitroGreen, CitroTech, CitroForest, CitroEssential, CitroPet) anchored by Citrue Bisabolol, a natural alpha bisabolol produced via proprietary fractional distillation of candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) essential oil and supplied in four purity grades from 85% to 99% with full (-) alpha-bisabolol isomer content. Supporting ingredients include cold-pressed Amazonian butters and oils (Cupuassu, Murumuru, Babassu, Pracaxi, Buriti, A\u00e7a\u00ed, Andiroba), essential oils (Copaiba, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Citronella), natural surfactants, and bioactive complexes (Hyaluronic Tucuma Extra/Pro, AlphaShield, AlphaImprove, AlphaWhiteness).

The company operates five wholly-owned production units across S\u00e3o Paulo, Minas Gerais (Baependi, S\u00e3o Gon\u00e3ao do Rio Abaixo, Carrancas), and Par\u00e1 (Benevides), giving it physical coverage of both the Cerrado/Minas Gerais candeia belt and the Amazon basin. R&D is centralized through partnerships with Federal University of Lavras (UFLA, sustainable candeia management), Bioactive (strategic research partner since 2017), and Bio Sustainable Solutions (created 2018 to support compliance with Brazilian Biodiversity Law No. 13,123/2015). Inputs are sourced through a community program involving 1,700+ families.

Commercial operations run on a B2B transaction model: the Sales & Export Coordinator manages direct key accounts in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals while a global distributor network extends reach to 42+ countries, supplemented by a public distributor request form on the company website. Pricing is quote-based, set by volume, purity grade, and contract terms. Citr\u00f3leo holds ISO 9001 (since 2006), FSC chain-of-custody and forest management certification (since 2016), IBD Organic (since 2013), COSMOS approval (2019), CDIAL Halal (2020), and NATRUE approval for Citrue Bisabolol (2022), positioning it for regulated clean-beauty, organic, and Muslim-market channels.

Name

Citróleo Group

Legal name

CITROLEO GROUP

Website

https://citroleogroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Citr\u00f3leo Group is a Brazilian manufacturer of natural raw materials and active ingredients, including Citrue Bisabolol, Amazonian butters and oils, natural surfactants, and bioactives, supplied to personal care, pharmaceutical, home care, and pet care product manufacturers across 42+ countries via direct B2B sales and a global distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic and Personal Care Raw Materials

NAICS

Surface Active Agent Manufacturing (325613), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833)

akta.pro primary industry

Natural Extracts & Essential Oils (Botanical/Citrus/Herb/Spice Extracts) (AFAJADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Herbal & Botanical Supplements (CRADAGAD), Botanical Biopesticides & Plant Extracts (Essential Oils, Neem, Pyrethrins) (AFABAEAF), Nutraceuticals & Functional Ingredients for Animal Diets (Probiotics, Omega-3, Joint, GI) (HLAMAHAH)

Keywords

• Natural ingredients manufacturing
• Cosmetic raw materials
• Essential oils production
• Vegetable butters and oils
• Sustainable botanical extracts

Headquarters

HQ city

Torrinha

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Natural Ingredients B2B Sales: Sale of natural raw materials and active ingredients to cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care product manufacturers. Products include vegetable oils, butters, essential oils, surfactants, and functional actives like bisabolol.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Citr\u00f3leo Group manufactures and distributes 100% natural raw materials and active ingredients derived from Brazilian biodiversity for the personal care, pet care, home care, and pharmaceutical industries. Its product portfolio includes vegetable oils (Babassu, Pracaxi, Buriti, Acai), butters (Cupuassu, Murumuru, Ucuuba), essential oils (Copaiba, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Citronella), surfactants (Green Cocoamphoacetate B, Green CAPB-B, Green Behenic), and proprietary bioactives (Citrue Bisabolol, Hyaluronic Tucuma, AlphaShield, AlphaImprove, AlphaWhiteness).

Product overview

Citróleo Group is a Brazilian manufacturer of natural ingredients and raw materials for the cosmetics, personal care, home care, and pet care industries. The company operates a portfolio of six product sub-brands: CitroNature (natural alpha bisabolol from candeia tree), CitroGreen (100% natural actives for skin/hair care), CitroTech (natural surfactants), CitroForest (vegetable oils and butters from Brazilian biodiversity), CitroEssential (essential oils), and CitroPet (natural actives for pets). The core products include Citrue Bisabolol in multiple variants (standard, Organic, FSC-certified) available in purity grades from 85% to 99%, along with a comprehensive range of Amazonian-derived ingredients including Babassu Oil, Cupuassu Butter, Pracaxi Oil, Murumuru Butter, Buriti Oil, and various essential oils. The company also offers bioactive ingredients like Hyaluronic Tucuma Extra/Pro for skin hydration and anti-aging, AlphaShield for antiseptic applications, AlphaImprove for hair repair and anti-stretch marks, and AlphaWhiteness for skin brightening. Specialized surfactants include Green Cocoamphoacetate B, Green CAPB-B (babassu-based), and Green Behenic. The pet care line features C-Balance, C-Care, C-Protect, and C-Shine products. All products are 100% natural, sustainably sourced, and many are certified organic, FSC, COSMOS, NATRUE, and Halal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CitroNature: The CitroNature line has the exclusive Citrue Bisabolol, the true natural alpha bisabolol obtained by fractional distillation of the essential oil of candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus). It is supplied in four different grades of concentration, from 85% which is a highly competitive and excellent quality product to the highest purity level 99%.
• CitroGreen Actives
• CitroTech
• CitroForest
• CitroEssential
• CitroPet

Products and services

• Citrue Bisabolol Natural alpha bisabolol obtained by fractional distillation of essential oil from Candeia tree (Eremanthus erythropappus). Supplied in four purity grades (85%, 90%, 97%, 99%) with 100% (-) alpha-bisabolol bioactive isomer content and free of farnesol allergen. Used as anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant active in cosmetics, infant formulations, makeup, dermo-cosmetics, and oral hygiene for cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Citrue Bisabolol Organic Organic certified version of natural alpha bisabolol from Candeia tree, with IBD Certification guaranteeing organic supply chain from planting to final product. Meets USDA Organic and Natural Ingredients standards for cosmetics manufacturers seeking organic certified raw materials.
• Citrue Bisabolol FSC\u00ae FSC\u00ae certified natural alpha bisabolol ensuring sustainable forest management. Part of bisabolol production comes from FSC\u00ae certified candeia forests with chain of custody certification for customers requiring verified sustainable sourcing.
• Babassu Oil Oil from Orbignya oleifera seeds, sustainably harvested when fruits fall naturally. Rich in lauric acid and tocopherols (Vitamin E). Applications in hair products for fine, oily, fragile hair, facial/body products, and hygiene/cleaning products for personal care manufacturers.
• Cupuassu Butter Butter from Theobroma grandiflorum seeds with excellent water absorption capacity (up to 240%, higher than lanolin). Rich in phytosterols and vitamins. Used as vegetable alternative to lanolin, for anti-aging, sun protection, and hair care by personal care manufacturers.
• Hyaluronic Tucuma Extra Bioactive extracted from Astrocaryum vulgare seeds that stimulates hyaluronic acid production by 27%. Improves skin biomechanical properties, forms protective film, and reintegrates skin barrier lipids. Used in anti-aging and deep hydration products for cosmetic manufacturers.
• Hyaluronic Tucuma Pro Bioactive from Astrocaryum vulgare pulp that induces hyaluronic acid synthesis by 44% in UV-exposed cells and protects hyaluronic acid from photodegradation (88%). Provides UV protection and skin revitalization for cosmetic manufacturers.
• Pracaxi Oil Oil from Pentaclethra macroloba with highest concentration of long-chain saturated fatty acids (behenic and lignoceric acid). Vegetable alternative to silicones. Film former with regenerative, healing, and cell renewal properties for hair and body products formulated by personal care manufacturers.
• Hairvival Murumuru Bioactive from Astrocaryum murumuru seeds that restores hair by naturally rebuilding curls. Reverses up to 25% of damage from straightening. Protects, lubricates, and promotes cuticular sealing. Especially for curls, volume control, and frizz, for personal care manufacturers.
• A\u00e7a\u00ed Oil Oil from Euterpe oleracea fruit containing anthocyanins and phytosterols as natural antioxidants. Used for stain control, antioxidant action, hair restoration, and skin/hair whitening formulations by personal care manufacturers.
• Buriti Oil Oil from Mauritia flexuosa fruit known as 'Tree of Life'. Rich in antioxidants for anti-aging, expression marks treatment, sun protection, hair nutrition, and skin firmness/elasticity for personal care manufacturers.
• Copaiba Oil Essential oil from Copaifera species resin via steam distillation. Has therapeutic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, and repellent properties for cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Tea Tree Oil Essential oil from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves via steam distillation. Versatile essential oil with antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, fungicide properties. Used for acne-prone skin, dandruff, and oral care by personal care manufacturers.
• Eucalyptus Oil Essential oil from Eucalyptus citriodora leaves with high citronellal content. Used for environmental scent, candles, perfumery, household cleaning, and well-being/relaxation with bactericide, disinfectant, and fungicide properties by home care manufacturers.
• Citronella Oil Essential oil from Cymbopogon nardus leaves with major components citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Used for environmental fragrance, insect repellent, and aromatherapy by home care and personal care manufacturers.
• Green Cocoamphoacetate B 100% natural amphoteric surfactant from babassu (palm oil free). Ultra-mild with stable creamy foam and low irritability. Used in hair/body cleaning, liquid/bar soaps, children's products, and facial cleansing. COSMOS Approved.
• Green CAPB-B Amphoteric surfactant from plant origin (babassu betaine, palm oil free). Multifunctional for personal care with reduced irritability, dermal compatibility, and creamy stable foam. Used in hygiene/cleaning and facial/body products.
• Green Behenic (BAPDMA) Nonionic surfactant with 90-98% activity for hair formulations. Multifunctional with traceability in production chain. Reduces frizz, improves combability, increases brightness, and repairs damage. Used in conditioners, serums, masks, and sprays.
• AlphaShield Natural active with exclusive pro-antiseptic technology that inhibits dermatitis, folliculitis, and mycoses. Composed of terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol. Used in deodorants, ointments, intimate hygiene, and hair care for eradicating fungus and inflammation by personal care manufacturers.
• AlphaWhiteness Natural whitening and depigmenting active from bisabolol and Euterpe oleracea oil. Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme and alpha-MSH hormone, decreasing melanogenesis. Natural alternative to synthetic whitening for hyperpigmentation control for personal care manufacturers.
• AlphaImprove 4D Hair Innovative 100% natural ingredient for deep repair and restructuring of hair fiber from inside out (cortex and cuticle). Recovers damaged surface, smooths scales, fills cuticle, provides strength and resistance. For all hair types including chemically treated and frizz, for personal care manufacturers.
• C-Balance Formulation for pet care that restores skin integrity, treats deeply, and controls microbiome. Controls germs/bacteria attacks and regulates natural microbiome. Forms protective film with long-chain fatty acids. Used in ointments, toothpaste, and shampoos for antimicrobial and soothing action by pet care product manufacturers.
• C-Care Exclusively developed for delicate pet skin. Provides soft, velvety, smooth touch with protective and regenerating effects. Treats paws from injuries, irritation, and burns. Used in balms, sticks for paws/muzzle, and products for dry/damaged areas by pet care product manufacturers.
• C-Protect Intelligent product protecting animals from microorganisms (bacteria) and insects, promoting well-being and relaxation. Dermo-protective with anti-inflammatory, non-irritating, relaxing properties. Natural germicide and insect repellent. Used in dermo-protective oils and dry bath products by pet care product manufacturers.
• C-Shine Exclusive product for pet fur and skin beautification leaving them soft and moisturized. Strengthens fur, facilitates combing, and provides finishing. Benefits include hydration, nutrition, reconstruction, easy combing, shine, softness, and volume. CDIAL Halal certified.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400% income increase for North Pará communities through sustainable sourcing partnerships
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bio Sustainable SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Created in 2018 to support partners/clients in development of sustainable projects. Provides full support for compliance with Brazilian Biodiversity Law No. 13,123/2015, including project development, organizational/bureaucratic support, raw material traceability, and implementation assistance.
• BioactivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Strategic research partner included in the Citroleum economic group since 2017 for R&D collaboration.
• VBIOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline platform that assists organizations in raising and allocating resources for Brazilian biodiversity projects. VBIO serves as project showcase with specialized curatorship to connect corporate social responsibility resources with biodiversity projects.
• Federal University of Lavras (UFLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership investing over $1 million to define ideal approaches for conservation of natural candeia forests. Research led to exclusive legislation for sustainable use of the species, preventing candeia from being listed as endangered.
• ImafloracoreOthersCertification body providing FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for chain of custody and forest management at Citroleum facilities and partner farms.
• ECOCERT GreenlifecoreOthersCertification body providing COSMOS standard approval for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients.
• CDIAL HalalcoreOthersHalal certification authority certifying that all processes from cultivation to storage and transport respect Islamic law norms.
• IBD CertificationscoreOthersOrganic certification body for BR and US schemes, ensuring organic production standards from planting to final product.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stepan Company: US specialty chemical manufacturer producing surfactants and personal care ingredients including mild, naturally derived surfactant systems for cosmetic and home care applications. Comparable to Citróleo's CitroTech surfactants line (Green Cocoamphoacetate B, Green CAPB-B, Green Behenic) targeting personal care and cleaning product formulators.
• Sabinsa: US/India-based manufacturer of standardized botanical extracts and natural cosmetic ingredients with strong focus on patented and certified natural actives. Directly comparable to Citróleo as a B2B supplier of botanical extracts and bioactives for cosmetic and personal care applications, with similar certification-driven go-to-market.
• Ashland: US specialty chemical company with a focused Life Sciences / Personal Care ingredients portfolio supplying bioactives, natural extracts, and conditioning agents to global cosmetic formulators. Directly comparable to Citróleo's bioactive and natural extract offering for personal care manufacturers, with similar B2B ingredient supplier model.
• Laboratoires Expanscience: French specialty ingredients company focused on botanical actives and plant-based cosmetic ingredients (notably avocado-derived), with strong sustainability and traceability positioning. Comparable to Citróleo as a mid-sized B2B supplier of plant-based bioactive and natural cosmetic ingredients with ESG-driven differentiation.
• Provital Group: Spanish specialty ingredients supplier of natural and botanical active ingredients for cosmetics and personal care, with a portfolio spanning vegetable oils, butters, extracts, and bioactives. Closely comparable to Citróleo's CitroGreen/CitroForest/CitroEssential positioning as a mid-sized natural actives supplier for cosmetic formulators.

Broad incumbents

• Symrise: Global major in flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients including naturals and bioactive extracts through its Diana (natural ingredients) and Scent & Care divisions. Comparable to Citróleo as a B2B supplier of natural cosmetic actives to global personal care manufacturers, with much broader scale and customer footprint.
• Givaudan: World's largest flavors and fragrances house with growing active cosmetic ingredients business including natural extracts. Comparable to Citróleo as a B2B supplier of natural and botanical ingredients to cosmetic and personal care brands, operating at materially larger scale across multiple segments.
• Croda International: UK-listed global specialty ingredients company with a large Personal Care division supplying bioactives, botanical extracts, surfactants, and certified natural ingredients to cosmetic manufacturers worldwide. Closely comparable to Citróleo as a B2B supplier of natural and sustainable personal care actives, though significantly larger and broader in portfolio.
• BASF (Personal Care): Global chemical major with an extensive Personal Care & Aroma Ingredients portfolio including natural extracts, bioactive ingredients, surfactants, and certified organic raw materials. Comparable to Citróleo as a B2B supplier of cosmetic ingredients, though operating at vastly larger scale across many chemistries.

Emerging players

• Alban Muller International: French manufacturer of natural and organic cosmetic ingredients including botanical extracts, vegetable oils, butters, and eco-certified actives for cosmetic formulators. Comparable to Citróleo as a specialty natural ingredient supplier focused on certified organic, sustainable, and traceable botanical inputs for personal care brands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Citroleo
• Facebookfacebook.com/citroleogroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/citroleogroup

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Citróleo Group