CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL

Citronella Essential Oil

Lemony · Green · Grassy

Cymbopogon nardus

Steam distilled from the aromatic leaves of Citronella grown in Indonesia, this vibrant essential oil has a fresh lemon-like fragrance layered with green grass and subtle woody warmth.

Its opening is bright, sweet and citrus-like, yet Citronella doesn’t come from a citrus fruit. Like Lemongrass, it belongs to the grass family, its long aromatic leaves holding the volatile oils responsible for its distinctive fragrance.

As it settles, the initial lemony brightness becomes greener and softer, revealing a gently sweet, woody drydown.

A botanical of aromatic grasses, green leaves and tropical warmth.

The aroma

Lemony · Green · Grassy · Softly Woody

Botanical Notes

Citronella — Cymbopogon nardus

Citronella belongs to the Poaceae family alongside Lemongrass and Vetiver.

The leaves are steam distilled to capture an intensely aromatic essential oil characterised by its sweet lemon-like opening, fresh grassy-green heart and softly woody finish.

Although Citronella and Lemongrass can initially appear similar, there is a useful aromatic distinction:

Lemongrass — sharper, intensely lemony and citral-rich
Citronella — sweeter, greener, more rounded and softly woody

Citronella is perhaps best known for its association with outdoor aromatic products, but its green, citrus-floral character also makes it an interesting material for botanical fragrance.

Botanical Profile

Botanical name: Cymbopogon nardus
Plant family: Poaceae
Origin: Indonesia
Plant part: Leaves
Extraction: Steam distillation
Aroma family: Herbal · Lemon-like
Perfume note: Top
Aroma: Sweet, fresh and lemony with grassy-green undertones, developing a gently sweet and woody drydown

Blends Beautifully With

Citrus: Bergamot · Lemon · Lime · Orange · Petitgrain
Florals: Geranium · Neroli · Palmarosa · Ylang Ylang
Herbs: Lavender · Peppermint · Rosemary · Sage
Spice: Cinnamon Bark · Clove Bud · Ginger
Woods: Cedarwood Atlas · Cypress · Vetiver
Forest: Pine · Black Spruce · Juniper Berry
Earth: Patchouli
Australian Botanicals: Eucalyptus

Citronella works particularly well with citrus, geranium and woods. Geranium brings out its softer floral facets, while Cedarwood and Vetiver draw attention to the woody character beneath its lemony opening.

The Ritual

Add a few drops to a diffuser to create a fresh, green and distinctly botanical atmosphere.

For topical formulations, dilute appropriately before applying to the skin.

For botanical perfumery, use Citronella sparingly through the top of a composition. Its strong green-citrus character can bring brightness and diffusion to herbs, woods and florals.

Try Citronella + Geranium + Cedarwood Atlas for a green, softly floral composition.

Or Citronella + Lime + Vetiver for something brighter and more contemporary — citrus-like grass over deep aromatic roots.

Ingredients

100% Pure Citronella Essential Oil — Cymbopogon nardus

Steam distilled from the leaves.
Origin: Indonesia.

Safety

For external use only. Do not ingest or apply undiluted to the skin.

Dilute appropriately before topical use. Citronella contains naturally occurring fragrance constituents that can cause skin irritation or sensitisation, particularly at higher concentrations.

Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Keep out of reach of children. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.

Traditionally used in outdoor aromatic blends and widely recognised for its distinctive citronella fragrance.