What is May Chang Essential Oil?

May Chang Essential Oil has an intensely fresh, lemony aroma with a light fruity nuance. The scent is long-lasting and pronounced citrus, and is often used in perfumes and air fresheners where the citrus note should not fade quickly. The Latin name is Litsea Cubeba, also known as Tropical Verbena. The oil comes from a small tree that bears small pepper-like berries, from which the oil is extracted.

May Chang naturally contains a high percentage of citral, often 70 to 85 percent, which is responsible for the powerful citrus aroma and pronounced effect. Unlike citrus oils, May Chang does not come from the citrus family but from the laurel family.

May Chang blends beautifully with other citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin and pink grapefruit, with floral oils such as lavender and geranium, and with woody oils such as cedarwood and sandalwood. A versatile top note in perfume and aromatherapy.

How is May Chang Essential Oil Made?

May Chang is extracted by steam distillation of the small, pepper-like fruits of the Litsea Cubeba plant. During this process, volatile aroma molecules are released, with citral being the main component.

Because May Chang is not a citrus oil and is not extracted from a citrus peel, the oil contains no furanocoumarines and is therefore not phototoxic. However, the oil is potent and requires careful dosing due to its high citral content.

What are the Benefits of May Chang Essential Oil?

• Long-lasting fresh citrus aroma – May Chang has a more intense and long-lasting citrus aroma than most citrus oils. Ideal if you want to extend the citrus note in a blend, especially in products where citrus fades quickly.
• Works uplifting and energetic – The fresh aroma has a refreshing effect on the mind and is appreciated in morning rituals, focus blends and sports massage oils.
• Not phototoxic – Unlike many citrus oils, May Chang can be used in daily care without sun restrictions, provided it is within the working dosage.
• Affordable alternative for citrus top notes – A popular choice in natural perfumery: a strong and long-lasting citrus aroma at a lower cost than many other citrus oils.
• Refreshing in the home – The powerful citrus scent makes May Chang popular in homemade air fresheners and cleaning blends.

How to Use May Chang Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil for skin use in a carrier oil or butter. For homemade care products, we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). May Chang is a fairly strong oil due to its high citral content, so this guideline is especially important here to prevent irritation. Suitable carriers include, for example, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

In a Diffuser
Add 3 to 5 drops to an aroma diffuser for a lively citrus atmosphere. Combine with Pink Grapefruit and Mandarin for an uplifting morning blend.

In a DIY Perfume
May Chang works as a top note or enhancement of existing citrus top notes in perfume blends. The oil helps keep the citrus aroma present longer.

In Air Fresheners and Linen Spray
The powerful citrus scent makes May Chang ideal for homemade air fresheners and linen spray. Combine with a solvent and water for an easy spray.

In a Sports or Energy Massage Oil
Combine May Chang with peppermint or rosemary in a carrier oil for an invigorating massage oil after exercise.

In Cleaning Blends
The degreasing citrus effect makes May Chang a nice addition to homemade cleaning products.

What Should You Watch Out For?

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Citral-rich oils oxidize faster than other essential oils, so proper storage is important.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use.
• Test on a small patch of skin before using the oil for the first time. May Chang can cause irritation in sensitive skin or at high dosages.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not drops.
• Always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

What Makes May Chang Essential Oil So Special?

It is a citrus scent that does not come from a citrus fruit. May Chang grows on a tree from the laurel family and yet delivers the most pronounced citrus aroma in our entire range. And while most citrus oils fade within an hour, this one lingers.

INCI: Litsea Cubeba Oil. CAS 68855-99-2, EC 943-438-6. Yellow oil, citrus-like odor, extracted from the fruit via steam distillation. Plant family Lauraceae. Soluble in oil and alcohol. Naturally contains citral, citronellol, geraniol, limonene and linalool. EWG score 1, the lowest risk class. Shelf life 21 months.