Lemongrass Essential Oil, 10 ml

Lemongrass essential oil brings a distinctive citrus-herbal scent to formulations and is also used as an active ingredient for oily and problem-prone skin or hair prone to oiliness. It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus grass. It appears in products at low concentrations, most commonly in perfumes, aromatherapy blends, massage oils, bath preparations, shampoos and facial cleansers, where it serves to refresh and add a clean character.

The oil is vegan and has not been tested on animals. It is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products for the face, body, hair and scalp.

What it is suitable for

• Scent – citrus, grassy-herbal, clean and easily recognisable. Used on its own and in blends in perfumes, aromatherapy compositions, bath preparations and diffusers.
• Oily and problem-prone skin – the manufacturer states a cleansing effect: it helps remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin and hair, which supports a clear complexion and a fresher feel on the scalp.
• Cooling and refreshing sensation – according to the manufacturer's data, it leaves a cooling sensation on the skin and helps reduce redness, which is why it is also listed for use in after-sun products and foot preparations.
• Skin appearance – the manufacturer further states antimicrobial action and support for skin elasticity. These are supplier claims and must be substantiated independently for your own product.

Use in formulation

The oil is soluble in oils and alcohol, it does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products (massage and body oils, balms, alcohol-based perfumes) it is simply blended in. In emulsions it belongs in the oil phase, but preferably in the cool-down phase: the recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C; at higher temperatures some of the volatile components are lost and the scent of the product weakens. In water-based systems such as tonics or sprays, it is incorporated only after pre-mixing with a solubiliser, otherwise it separates and floats on the surface.

Dosage is governed by IFRA limits for the specific product category. Different maximum levels apply to lip products, deodorants, face creams, shampoos and candles. The limit for the relevant category is therefore verified before formulation development and the product is designed so as not to exceed it.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial cleansing gels, foams and tonics for oily and problem-prone skin (tonics with a solubiliser).
• Shampoos, rinse-out conditioners, hair mists and leave-in care for hair prone to oiliness.
• Shower gels, liquid soaps, bath salts and oils.
• Massage and body oils, after-sun preparations, hand and foot creams.
• Perfumes, alcohol-based fragrances, aromatherapy blends, scented candles and air fresheners.

Good to know

Undiluted oil is classified as corrosive and irritant and must never be applied directly to the skin. It contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation; these must be declared in the ingredient list of the finished product. The product contains components classified as CMR substances, but as a whole it is not classified as CMR.

The oil is yellow to orange-yellow. At low concentrations its effect on the shade of the product is usually minor, but in white emulsions and clear gels it is worth checking the colour after incorporation.

Frequently asked questions