Citronella Essential Oil, 10 ml

Citronella essential oil is added to cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient with a fresh citrus scent that masks unpleasant odours and gives the product a refreshing character. It is obtained by steam distillation from the grass Cymbopogon winterianus, that is, Java-type citronella grown in South-East Asia. It is suitable for soaps, shower and bath products, body and hair cosmetics, and for aromatherapy diffusers.

According to the manufacturer, the fragrance and functional properties are due mainly to the monoterpenes citronellal, geraniol and citronellol, complemented by limonene, geranyl acetate and camphene. The manufacturer also states that the oil has insect-repellent properties, which is why it is traditionally used in products intended for outdoor use, in candles and in perfumes.

Key properties

• Fresh citrus scent – works well in summer and fresh compositions, in soaps and in shower gels.
• Deodorising effect – masks unpleasant odours. The manufacturer recommends the oil for shampoos, conditioners and scalp products.
• Antimicrobial effect – according to the manufacturer, it helps keep the skin clean and supports its natural balance.
• Anti-inflammatory effect – the manufacturer states that the oil soothes irritated skin and reduces redness. For sensitive skin, check tolerance in the finished product.
• Refreshing effect in aromatherapy – in a diffuser, it creates an invigorating atmosphere.
• Readily biodegradable – according to the OECD 301 test, which is an advantage for rinse-off products that end up in wastewater.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in vegetable oils and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products such as body oils, balms and ointments, simply mix it into the oil phase at room temperature. In emulsions, it is added during the cooling phase, when the cream is below 40 °C, or at the very end as a final addition. The oil is a mixture of volatile substances, and some of them evaporate at higher temperatures.

If the base of the mist or perfume is alcohol, citronella dissolves in it directly. In soaps, it is added in the same way as other essential oils.

No exact usage rate is given in the source material. When determining the amount, follow the IFRA limits for the specific product category. Soaps and shampoos belong to category 9, body creams and oils to category 5A, and face creams and toners to 5B. In leave-on face products, citronella is used more cautiously than in rinse-off and body products.

Suitable for products such as

• Soaps and shower gels – the fresh scent and deodorising effect work best in rinse-off products.
• Shampoos and scalp products – the manufacturer recommends citronella to support a clean scalp environment and to mask odours.
• Body oils, balms and lotions – as an oil-soluble ingredient, it combines with the oil phase and is especially suitable for summer and outdoor products.
• Body mists and alcohol-based perfumes – it brings a distinctive citrus note to the composition.
• Diffusers and aromatherapy – on its own or blended with other essential oils.

Good to know

The product is subject to the CLP Regulation and is labelled with the pictograms GHS07 (irritant, sensitisation), GHS05 (corrosive) and GHS09 (hazardous to the environment). It contains one or more ingredients classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR), and the fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. For details on classification and safe handling, see the safety data sheet on the product page.

The oil has a yellow to brownish-yellow colour. In white creams or clear gels, it may cause a slight discolouration, which is best checked on a test sample.

Frequently asked questions