What is Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil?

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil has a fresh, lemony aroma with a light eucalyptus undertone. The Latin name is Eucalyptus Citriodora (also known as Corymbia Citriodora), and the oil is extracted from the leaves of an Australian eucalyptus tree through steam distillation. The oil is especially known for its natural insect-repelling properties.

Lemon eucalyptus contains a high content of citronellal (often 65 to 85%), which is responsible for both the lemon aroma and the insect-repelling properties. The profile differs significantly from classic eucalyptus globulus, which is rich in 1,8-cineole.

Lemon eucalyptus blends beautifully with other insect-repelling oils like citronella and geranium, with fresh oils like peppermint and lavender, and with woody oils like cedarwood and pine.

How is Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil made?

The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves of Eucalyptus Citriodora. In this process, the volatile aroma molecules are released, which are captured and condensed into oil.

The oil contains no furocoumarins and is therefore not phototoxic. However, it is a fairly potent oil that can cause irritation at higher dosages or on sensitive skin.

Benefits of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Strong insect repellent
The high citronellal content makes this oil a popular choice for homemade anti-mosquito sprays and outdoor blends. The insect-repelling effect is well documented.

Refreshing and uplifting
The combination of lemon and eucalyptus gives a fresh, clarifying scent that uplifts the spirit and helps with focus.

Purifying for the skin
The oil has a light purifying effect and is processed in formulations for oily or impure skin.

Not phototoxic
Unlike citrus oils from the peel, lemon eucalyptus is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without sun restrictions.

Versatile in hair and scalp care
The purifying effect makes this oil suitable for products for oily or irritated scalp.

How do you use Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the 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 lemon eucalyptus with citronella and geranium for a natural insect-repelling spray for summer.

In a diffuser
Put 3 to 5 drops in an aroma diffuser for a fresh, clarifying atmosphere. Combine with lavender for a relaxing effect, or with peppermint for a focus boost.

In a DIY shampoo
Add a few drops to your shampoo for a refreshing, lightly purifying effect on the scalp.

In a massage oil
The lightly stimulating effect makes this oil suitable for sports or after-gardening massage oils.

In a DIY toner or cream for oily skin
Add the oil to a lotion, cream or toner for combination or impure skin.

What is the difference with classic Eucalyptus?

Classic Eucalyptus Globulus and Lemon Eucalyptus are both eucalyptus species, but have completely different profiles. Eucalyptus Globulus is rich in 1,8-cineole and has a typical cooling, clarifying eucalyptus scent, popular for colds and respiratory support. Lemon Eucalyptus is rich in citronellal and has a lemony profile with strong insect-repelling properties.

Choose classic eucalyptus for cold blends and clarifying applications. Choose lemon eucalyptus for anti-mosquito products and fresh, lemony aromas.

Tips when using Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place to slow oxidation.
• Always close the bottle tightly 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 safe limits.

Considerations and side effects

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without restriction from 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 the 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). Lemon Eucalyptus naturally contains allergens such as citronellol, citral and limonene. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate 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, wider maxima apply because the oil does not remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Do not use in children under 10 years without consultation with an expert, due to the high citronellal content. 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.