Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil, 500 ml

Lemon-scented eucalyptus essential oil brings a fresh citrus fragrance to cosmetics and, according to the manufacturer, also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. It is obtained by steam distillation from the Eucalyptus citriodora tree and in a formulation serves as both a fragrance component and an active ingredient. On the skin it feels cooling and refreshing, so it is particularly suited to products for oily and acne-prone skin, hair care for scalps prone to oiliness, and anywhere the fragrance is meant to invigorate. The oil is of South American origin, is vegan and has not been tested on animals.

Fragrance and character

The fragrance is distinctly citrus and fresh. The manufacturer states that its character is mainly down to citronellal and citronellol. The oil is therefore used as a citrus note in perfumes, massage oils, bath products, aromatherapy and hair care. The manufacturer also mentions its repellent properties and its use in products intended for time spent outdoors.

What the oil brings to a formulation

• Fragrance component – a citrus, invigorating note for fresh summer recipes.
• Antimicrobial action – according to the manufacturer, it supports clean skin, which is why the oil appears in cleansing gels and products for problem skin.
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing action – the manufacturer states that it reduces redness and irritation. It is used in topical products for blemishes and in soothing body products.
• Cooling and refreshing feel – after application it refreshes the skin, which you will appreciate in after-sun gel products or in body sprays.
• Stimulation of the scalp – in hair oils and shampoos it adds a fresh fragrance and, according to the manufacturer, stimulates and revitalises the scalp.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products such as body and massage oils, balms, butters or solid perfumes, it is mixed directly into the oil phase. In emulsions it is added only in the cooling phase, when the cream is below 40 °C. The oil is a blend of volatile components and a higher processing temperature is not recommended. For toners, facial waters or water-based sprays, it must first be incorporated with a solubiliser, otherwise it separates and forms droplets on the surface.

There is no single universal usage rate. The manufacturer does not state a recommended range, and the maximum amount in the finished product is determined by the IFRA limit for the given product category. For example, lip products fall into category 1, body creams and oils into category 5A, shampoos and soaps into category 9 and candles into category 12. The limits for all categories are listed in the IFRA certificate in the Product documentation section.

The oil is also used outside cosmetics: in candles, diffusers and aromatherapy, in bath bombs and bath salts, and in household cleaning products, where its fresh fragrance is put to good use.

Suitable for products such as

• Cleansing gels and topical products for oily and acne-prone skin, where the antimicrobial character stated by the manufacturer is put to use.
• Shampoos and hair oils for hair prone to oiliness and for sensitive scalps.
• Body oils, butters and balms with a cooling, refreshing fragrance, for example after-sun products.
• Soaps, bath salts and bath bombs.
• Massage oils and fragrance blends with a citrus base.
• Candles and diffusers.

Good to know

The substance is classified under the CLP Regulation and contains hazardous substances; it is labelled with the GHS07 pictogram (irritant, sensitisation). Detailed information on classification and safe handling is given in the safety data sheet.

Compatibility with common cosmetic ingredients is unrestricted, but we recommend checking the behaviour in your specific recipe in a small test batch.

Frequently asked questions