Citronella Essential Oil

What is Citronella Essential Oil?

Citronella Essential Oil has a rich, sweet, slightly rosy lemon scent. The Latin name is Cymbopogon Winterianus (Java-type) of Cymbopogon Nardus (Ceylon type), and the oil is steam distilled from the grass. The oil is known for its natural insect repellent properties, especially against mosquitoes, and is a popular choice for summer evenings.

Contrary to what the name suggests, citronella is not a citrus plant but a tropical grass, botanically related to lemongrass and palmarosa. Our citronella is of the Java type, which has a higher content of geraniol and citronellal than the Ceylon type, and therefore a richer odor and stronger insect repellent effect.

Citronella blends beautifully with other citrusy oils such as lemongrass and pink grapefruit, with floral oils such as geranium and lavender, and with woody oils such as cedarwood and eucalyptus.

How is Citronella Essential Oil made?

Citronella is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass. This process releases the volatile aroma molecules, which are captured and condensed into oil.

Because citronella is not a citrus plant, the oil does not contain furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic. However, it is a fairly powerful oil that can cause tingling at higher doses or sensitive skin.

Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

Naturally insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes
Citronella is one of the best-known natural insect repellents. The smell disturbs the sense of smell of mosquitoes, making it harder for them to find their target. A popular choice for summer evenings.

Refreshing and uplifting
The lemony, sweet scent is uplifting and is often used in diffusers for a fresh atmosphere in the house.

Purifying for the scalp
Citronella has a mild purifying effect and is used in shampoos for an oily or irritated scalp.

Non-phototoxic
Citronella does not contain furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic, despite its lemony nature.

Versatile in summer products
In addition to anti-mosquito sprays, citronella is used in DIY summer air fresheners, candles and outdoor blends.

How to use Citronella Essential Oil?

When using on the skin, always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter. For homemade care, we recommend a working dose of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation below for more information. Suitable carriers are, for example, Jojoba Oil, Zoete Amandelolie of Shea Butter.

In a DIY anti-mosquito spray
Combine citronella with geranium and lemongrass in a spray bottle with water and a solvent such as ethanol or solubilizer for a natural insect repellent spray.

In an outdoor diffuser or outdoor candle
Put 4 to 6 drops in a aroma diffuser on the terrace or in DIY candles for a mosquito-free summer evening.

In a shampoo
Add a few drops of citronella to your shampoo for a refreshing, slightly purifying effect on an oily or irritated scalp.

In a facial cleanser or toner
Add the oil to a cleanser for oily or blemished skin. Keep the dosage low.

In a DIY air freshener
Its sweet-lemony scent is a popular addition to homemade air fresheners, especially in the summer months.

What is the difference with Lemongrass?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus) and citronella (Cymbopogon Winterianus) are botanical relatives and both grasses, but they have different characters. Citronella smells richer, sweeter and slightly pinkish, with stronger insect repellent properties. Lemongrass has a more pronounced, pungent lemon aroma. Both are not phototoxic.

Choose citronella if you want natural insect repellent results or a sweeter lemon scent. Choose lemongrass for a more pronounced lemon note in a blend.

Tips for Using Citronella Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place to slow down oxidation.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use.
• Test on a small area of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially for sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not drops. Droplets vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Points of attention and side effects

Citronella Essential Oil is not phototoxic and can therefore be used for sunlight without restriction. However, it is a fairly strong oil that can cause tingling at higher doses or sensitive skin. Always use diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dose: 1 percent
For homemade care, we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Citronella naturally contains allergens such as citronellol, geraniol, limonene, and citral. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dose of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without going over those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, longer maximums apply because the oil does not remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test on a small area first and wait 24 hours before using it on larger areas.