CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL
A fresh, grassy and lemon-scented essential oil with a bright, uplifting aromatic character.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus
Family: Poaceae (formerly Gramineae)
Origin: India and Sri Lanka
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves
Note: Top
Colour: Pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh, grassy, lemony and slightly woody
About This Essential Oil
Citronella Essential Oil is recognised for its fresh, grassy and lemon-scented aroma. Its bright fragrance adds a clean, lively character to diffuser blends, outdoor aromatic products, soaps and household fragrance formulations. It blends especially well with citrus, herbal and woody essential oils and is often used to create a fresh summer atmosphere.
Key Benefits
• Provides a fresh, grassy and lemony aroma
• Creates a bright and uplifting atmosphere
• Freshens rooms and living spaces
• Popular in outdoor and summer fragrance blends
• Adds clean aromatic character to soaps and household products
• Complements citrus, herbal and woody essential oils
History
Citronella grasses have long been cultivated across tropical Asia for their aromatic leaves. Steam-distilled citronella oil became an important material in soaps, detergents, toiletries, candles and household fragrance products. Its distinctive scent later became closely associated with outdoor products around the world. Today, Ceylon Citronella remains a widely used fragrance ingredient in perfumery and household formulations.
Main Chemical Components
Alcohols, Aliphatic Aldehydes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and grassy
• Lemony
• Slightly woody
• Bright and diffusive
• Clean aromatic impression
• Uplifting top note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds freshness to diffuser blends
• Complements outdoor and summer fragrance products
• Brings lemony character to soaps and household formulations
• Freshens linen and living spaces when appropriately formulated
• Blends well with citrus, herbal and woody aromas
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as fresh and uplifting
• Creates a clean, lively aromatic atmosphere
• Bright, grassy and distinctly lemony
• Well suited to daytime and outdoor blends
• Individual responses to aromas vary
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Palmarosa, Cypress, Tea Tree, Lemon, Pine, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Thyme, Peppermint and Lavender.
Health & Safety
• For external aromatic use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted.
• Always dilute before topical application and avoid eyes and mucous membranes.
• May cause skin irritation or sensitisation in susceptible individuals.
• Seek qualified advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when using with children.
• Perform a patch test before first topical use.
• Use in a well-ventilated space and discontinue if irritation or breathing discomfort occurs.
• Do not apply to animals or use where animals cannot leave the fragranced area.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals; avoid release into waterways.
• Store securely below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat.
