Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a green essential oil with a lemony, fresh aroma and a top note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Tea Tree, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lavender. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 0.7%.
Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a green essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaf, produced in Australia. Its aroma is lemony, fresh, sitting as a top note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Tea Tree, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lavender, Lemon (Cold Pressed). Keep topical use at or below 0.7%. It is noted for dermal irritant. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Top |
| Aroma family | Green |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | Australia |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 2 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 2.0 |
| CAS number | 68311-26-2 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 0.7% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.35% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
- Tea Tree →
- Eucalyptus (Radiata) →
- Lavender →
- Lemon (Cold Pressed) →
- May chang litsea cubeba
Frequently asked questions
What does Lemon Myrtle smell like?
Lemon Myrtle has a lemony, fresh aroma, classed as a green oil with a top note.
What is the safe dilution for Lemon Myrtle?
For topical use, keep Lemon Myrtle at or below 0.7%, and 0.35% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Lemon Myrtle safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Lemon Myrtle. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Lemon Myrtle safe to use around children?
Lemon Myrtle is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Lemon Myrtle safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Lemon Myrtle blend well with?
Lemon Myrtle pairs well with Tea Tree, Eucalyptus (Radiata), Lavender, Lemon (Cold Pressed), May chang litsea cubeba.