Composition
100% essential oil of Cymbopogon winterianus L.. Origin: France.
The plant and the oil
A good citronella oil contains 40–50% citronellal and 30–45% geraniol and related alcohols.[2] Citronellal can irritate the skin, which is why this oil is used at a low share on the skin.[3]
Scent
What it smells like. The oil smells refreshing and reminiscent of lemon and grass. It is described as citrusy, fresh, sweet and slightly fruity.[4] Its fresh, sweet scent comes from citronellal, geraniol and citronellol, and it dries down sweet and slightly woody.[2] Its composition varies with the region where the grass is grown.[4]
Where it sits in a blend. It is a top note of medium strength.[4]
What it goes with. Citrus, floral, herbal and wood oils. Because the scent is so closely linked with insect repellents, the oil is often overlooked for other uses.[4]
How to use
- As a room scent: the oil is intended to freshen the air and lift the mood.[1]
- Against insects: citronella oil is best known for keeping away mosquitoes and other insects.[4] It is a natural repellent; it does not kill insects but masks the scents that attract them.[5]
- In perfumery: soaps, detergents, household cleaners and insecticides are often scented with it, and its citronellal and geraniol are starting materials for other perfume materials.[2]
- Aromatherapy books list it for aching muscles, tiredness and heavy sweating.[4]
In the air. The oil is used to scent rooms; citronella oil is also known as an insect deterrent.[4] Air the room regularly: breathing a lot of vapour for an hour or more can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.[3]
On the skin, diluted. This oil can irritate the skin, so dilute it much more than usual. Never use it undiluted.[3] Mix it into a carrier oil such as jojoba oil.
Before the first use. Test a little of the blend on a small patch of skin. Apply it only to unbroken skin. If the skin reacts, stop and apply a little vegetable oil or cream.[3]
In the bath. Essential oil does not mix with water,[6] so stir the drops into a natural bath gel base or a little vegetable oil first.[3]
Precautions
- do not swallow the oil;[7]
- keep it away from the eyes;[3]
- keep the bottle out of the reach of children.[3]
- The oil can irritate the skin: always dilute it well.[3]
- The oil can mildly irritate the skin and eyes, and with long or frequent use it can cause skin allergy in some people.[5]
- The oil may interact with medicines. People who take medicines regularly should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it on the skin.[4]
- Before aromatherapy is used during childbirth, it is best to ask a trained aromatherapist or a midwife trained in aromatherapy.[8]
- The oil is highly flammable: keep it away from candles and open flames.[3]
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vivasan, product packaging of Lemon Balm (E 103).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Steffen Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, Elizabeth, NJ, 1960: Citronella Oil, Java-type.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), Safety. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 AromaWeb, Citronella Essential Oil. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Pesticide Information Center (Oregon State University and US EPA), Oil of Citronella Fact Sheet. Retrieved 14 October 2026.
- ↑ Tisserand Institute, Safety guidelines. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA), Statement on Internal and Undiluted Use of Essential Oils. November 2019.
- ↑ North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Serenity aromatherapy. Page last reviewed 8 July 2026.