Description
Citronella essential oil is steam-distilled from the fresh or partly dried leaves of Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, two types of aromatic grasses closely related to lemongrass. It has a fresh, lemony, grassy, and slightly sweet aroma that is uplifting and widely recognized for its use in insect repellents.
Traditionally used in Asia for fever, infections, and perfumery, citronella oil is now valued globally in aromatherapy, skincare, household cleaning, and natural pest control. Its refreshing scent and antimicrobial properties make it a versatile oil for both personal and home care applications.
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Key Benefits
For Aromatherapy & Wellness
• Natural Insect Repellent: Effectively repels mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs.
• Respiratory Support: May ease congestion and promote clear breathing when diffused.
• Stress & Mood: Uplifts mood, reduces fatigue, and helps ease feelings of anxiety.
• Muscle Relief: Provides a mild warming effect when massaged into the skin (diluted).
For Skincare & Haircare
• Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Helps cleanse skin and prevent infections.
• Oil Control: Useful in formulations for oily or acne-prone skin (always diluted).
• Scalp Care: Helps reduce dandruff and leaves scalp refreshed.
For Home & Cleaning
• Natural Deodorizer: Eliminates odors in rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Air Purifier: Freshens indoor air when diffused or added to sprays.
• Surface Cleaner: Can be added to homemade cleaning solutions for its antibacterial action.
• Outdoor Use: Common in candles, sprays, and diffusers to ward off mosquitoes.
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Common Uses
• Aromatherapy: diffusers, candles, sprays.
• Skincare: soaps, lotions, creams (in small, diluted amounts).
• Haircare: shampoos, scalp oils (diluted).
• Household: multipurpose cleaning sprays, laundry fresheners.
• Outdoor protection: insect-repelling sprays, body oils, and candles.
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Solubility & Formulation
• Oil Soluble – blends with carrier oils, butters, and essential oils.
• Insoluble in Water – requires a solubilizer (e.g., polysorbate) for sprays.
• Blends well with: lemongrass, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, cedarwood, geranium.
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📏 Recommended Usage Rate
• Topical use: 0.5% – 2% (always dilute; can irritate skin if used neat).
• Diffusion: 3–5 drops in diffuser.
• Massage oils: 2–3 drops in 10ml carrier oil.
• Cleaning products: 5–10 drops per 100ml solution.
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Safety & Precautions
• Skin sensitivity risk – must always be diluted before applying to skin.
• Not recommended for children under 6 years or during pregnancy without professional advice.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• May cause irritation in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
• Store in a cool, dark place in airtight container.
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• Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus / Cymbopogon winterianus
• Plant Part: Leaves
• Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
• Color: Pale yellow to brownish
• Aroma: Fresh, lemony, grassy, slightly sweet
• Main Constituents: Citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, limonene
• Shelf Life: ~2 years (if stored properly)
Cautions: Very potent and not to be used on sensitive skin. Avoid use during pregnancy. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin.
Safety data: Dilute essential oils before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals, a skin test is recommending prior to use, contact with eyes should be avoided.
Storage: it is recommended that oils package in in metal containers (for safe shipping) or dark glass/amber containers to maintain freshness and attain maximum .
Please Note: products image and packaging shown above is a general representation of product. Product colour may vary and packaging available may be different.
DISCLAIMER:
– DAKITZ NATURAL PRODUCTS are for cosmetic, personal care formulations and are meant for external use only unless otherwise STATED.
– We recommend working with a chemist or a formulator if you’re not advanced in formulating.
– This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
– Kindly note that you are responsible for researching, testing, and understanding ingredients before buying.
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