What is Citronella Essential Oil?

Citronella Essential Oil has a rich, sweet, slightly rosy lemon scent. The Latin name is Cymbopogon Winterianus (Java type) or Cymbopogon Nardus (Ceylon type), and the oil is steam distilled from the grass. The oil is known for its natural insect repelling 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 scent and stronger insect repelling action.

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

How is Citronella Essential Oil made?

Citronella is obtained through steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass. In this process, the volatile aroma molecules are released, which are captured and condensed into oil.

Because citronella is not a citrus plant, the oil contains no furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic. However, it is a fairly strong oil that can cause irritation at higher dosages or on sensitive skin.

Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

Natural insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes
Citronella is one of the best-known natural insect repelling substances. The scent disrupts 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 lemon-like, sweet scent has an uplifting effect and is gladly used in diffusers for a fresh atmosphere at home.

Purifying for the scalp
Citronella has a mild purifying action and is processed in shampoos for oily or irritated scalp.

Not phototoxic
Citronella contains no furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic, despite its lemon-like character.

Versatile in summer products
Besides anti-mosquito sprays, citronella is processed in DIY summer air fresheners, candles and outdoor blends.

How to use Citronella Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on skin. For homemade care products we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation at the bottom for more information. Suitable carriers are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

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

In an outdoor diffuser or outdoor candle
Put 4 to 6 drops in an 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, mildly purifying effect on oily or irritated scalp.

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

In a DIY air freshener
The 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 rosy, with stronger insect repelling properties. Lemongrass has a more pronounced, sharper lemon aroma. Both are not phototoxic.

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

Tips when using Citronella Essential Oil

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

Precautions and side effects

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

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade care products 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 stack up and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dosage of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without exceeding those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maxima 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 first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using on larger surfaces.