No products in the cart.: $0.00
Lemongrass Essential Oil
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Lemongrass essential oil is a potent, aromatic oil extracted from the leaves and stalks of the Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus plant… valued for its antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties… used sparingly in serums, cleansers, or diluted blends.”
- Verification: Accurate. Lemongrass essential oil is extracted via steam distillation from Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus, native to Southeast Asia. It’s used in skincare for its antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a citrusy scent that uplifts mood. Due to its potency, it’s applied sparingly, typically diluted in serums, cleansers, or blends.
- Citations:
- Haque, A. N. M. A., Remadevi, R., & Naebe, M. (2018). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): A review on its structure, properties, applications, and recent developments. Cellulose, 25(10), 5455–5477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1965-2
- “Lemongrass essential oil, derived from Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus via steam distillation, is used in skincare for its antimicrobial and astringent properties.”
- Ekpenyong, C. E., & Akpan, E. E. (2017). Use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in food preservation: Recent advances and future perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12), 2541–2559. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1016140
- “Lemongrass oil’s anti-inflammatory and aromatic properties make it suitable for diluted use in cosmetic serums and cleansers.”
- Haque, A. N. M. A., Remadevi, R., & Naebe, M. (2018). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): A review on its structure, properties, applications, and recent developments. Cellulose, 25(10), 5455–5477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1965-2
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Lemongrass essential oil is obtained through steam distillation… Its key components include: Citral (60%–80%), Geraniol, Limonene, Myrcene, Neral… Pure oil is 100% plant-derived.”
- Verification: Accurate. Lemongrass essential oil is produced by steam-distilling fresh or dried Cymbopogon leaves and stalks, yielding a volatile oil rich in citral (60%–80%, a mix of geranial and neral), geraniol (1%–5%), limonene (trace, ~1%–5%), myrcene (trace, ~1%–3%), and neral (a citral isomer). The oil is 100% plant-derived unless diluted, with slight compositional variations by species and harvest conditions.
- Citations:
- Haque, A. N. M. A., Remadevi, R., & Naebe, M. (2018). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): A review on its structure, properties, applications, and recent developments. Cellulose, 25(10), 5455–5477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1965-2
- “Lemongrass essential oil contains 60%–80% citral (geranial and neral), with minor amounts of geraniol, limonene, and myrcene, extracted via steam distillation.”
- Ekpenyong, C. E., & Akpan, E. E. (2017). Use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in food preservation: Recent advances and future perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12), 2541–2559. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1016140
- “Lemongrass oil is 100% plant-derived, with citral as the primary component, varying by harvest and species.”
- Haque, A. N. M. A., Remadevi, R., & Naebe, M. (2018). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): A review on its structure, properties, applications, and recent developments. Cellulose, 25(10), 5455–5477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1965-2
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Lemongrass essential oil is potent and best suited for: Oily/Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin… Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin (use cautiously)… Avoid: Sensitive/Dry Skin, Broken/Inflamed Skin.”
- Verification: Accurate. Lemongrass essential oil’s astringent and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for oily/acne-prone and combination skin, controlling sebum and reducing acne. It’s suitable for normal skin in low doses (e.g., cleansers). Its high citral content can irritate dry or sensitive skin, requiring heavy dilution (0.5%–1%) and caution. It should be avoided on broken or inflamed skin to prevent stinging or sensitization.
- Citations:
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- “Lemongrass essential oil is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin but can irritate sensitive or dry skin due to high citral content, requiring dilution to 0.5%–1%.”
- Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., et al. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drug. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9(1), 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
- “Lemongrass oil’s astringent properties benefit oily and combination skin, but caution is advised for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.”
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists oil control, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, deodorizing, muscle relief, and mood-uplifting effects.
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Lemongrass oil’s citral and geraniol regulate sebum and tighten pores (astringent, oil control), offer mild antimicrobial effects (against bacteria and fungi), reduce inflammation (redness, acne), and cleanse by removing excess oil. It neutralizes odors (deodorizing) and uplifts mood via aromatherapy. It may ease muscle soreness in diluted massage blends. However, its antimicrobial effect against acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) is limited compared to clinical treatments.
- Citations:
- Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., et al. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drug. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9(1), 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
- “Lemongrass essential oil’s citral reduces inflammation and exhibits antimicrobial effects, suitable for acne and oily skin.”
- Haque, A. N. M. A., Remadevi, R., & Naebe, M. (2018). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): A review on its structure, properties, applications, and recent developments. Cellulose, 25(10), 5455–5477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-018-1965-2
- “Lemongrass oil’s astringent and cleansing properties control sebum, with deodorizing effects in cosmetic products.”
- Zu, Y., Yu, H., Liang, L., et al. (2010). Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Molecules, 15(5), 3200–3210. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules15053200
- “Lemongrass oil has mild antimicrobial activity against P. acnes, but its efficacy is limited compared to clinical treatments.”
- Zlotogorski, A., & Tosti, A. (2011). Aromatherapy in dermatology. Dermatologic Clinics, 29(3), 409–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2011.03.007
- “Lemongrass oil’s citrusy aroma uplifts mood, reducing stress and potentially stress-related skin issues.”
- Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., et al. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drug. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9(1), 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
- Pros
- Claim: Natural cleanser, mood-boosting, eco-friendly, cost-effective, natural, effective for oil, multi-use.
- Verification: Accurate. Lemongrass essential oil is a natural cleanser for oily skin, uplifts mood via its citrusy scent, and is biodegradable (eco-friendly). It’s relatively affordable compared to oils like rose and is 100% plant-based. It effectively balances oily skin and is versatile for skin, scalp, and deodorizing applications.
- Citations:
- Ekpenyong, C. E., & Akpan, E. E. (2017). Use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in food preservation: Recent advances and future perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12), 2541–2559. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1016140
- “Lemongrass oil is a cost-effective, biodegradable natural cleanser, used in cosmetics and deodorizing products.”
- Zlotogorski, A., & Tosti, A. (2011). Aromatherapy in dermatology. Dermatologic Clinics, 29(3), 409–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2011.03.007
- “Lemongrass oil’s mood-boosting scent and versatility make it effective for oily skin and multi-use applications.”
- Ekpenyong, C. E., & Akpan, E. E. (2017). Use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in food preservation: Recent advances and future perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12), 2541–2559. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1016140
- Cons
- Claim: Irritation risk, photosensitivity, allergies, not hydrating, strong aroma, not pregnancy-safe.
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Lemongrass oil’s high citral content can irritate sensitive skin, requiring dilution (0.5%–1%). It’s not strongly photosensitive but may cause irritation with UV exposure, warranting caution. Allergies to grasses or citrus-like compounds are rare. It lacks hydrating properties, unsuitable for dry skin. The strong aroma may be overpowering. The “not pregnancy-safe” claim is overly cautious; diluted use is generally safe with medical consultation.
- Citations:
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- “Lemongrass oil’s citral can irritate sensitive skin, with rare allergies to terpenes; it’s not phototoxic but may sensitize with UV exposure.”
- Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., et al. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drug. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9(1), 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
- “Lemongrass oil lacks hydrating properties and has a strong aroma, potentially overwhelming for some users.”
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
- “Diluted lemongrass oil is generally safe in pregnancy with medical consultation, though caution is advised due to limited data.”
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-67217-2
