Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a citrus essential oil with a lemony, grassy, fresh aroma and a top note. Steam distillation from grass, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2%.
Powerful deodorizer with a bright lemony-grassy aroma. Popular in cleaning blends. Use with caution -- can irritate sensitive skin at high dilutions.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Top |
| Aroma family | Citrus |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | grass |
| Origin | India, Guatemala, China |
| Blending factor | 7 |
| Volatility index | 2 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 1.5 |
| CAS number | 8007-02-1 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.7% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Not recommended |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — Ayurvedic and Thai massage tradition; Cymbopogon citratus monograph.
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.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Lemongrass Clarifying Rinse →
- Deep Cleanse →
- Recovery →
- Acne-Prone Serum →
- Pore Purge →
- Anchor Harbor →
- Saffron Tone Pulse →
- No-Bite Breeze →
- Guard Cocoon →
- Patio Spark →
- Clear Guard Circuit →
- Calm Patio Harbor →
- Trail Lullaby →
- Sunlit No-Bite Lullaby →
- Shield Breeze →
- Velvet Shine Pulse →
- Whisper Shield →
- Carry-On Reset →
- Moonlit Moon Cocoon →
Compare Lemongrass with
Frequently asked questions
What does Lemongrass essential oil smell like?
Lemongrass has a lemony, grassy, fresh, sharp aroma, classed as a citrus oil with a top note.
What is the safe dilution for Lemongrass?
For topical use, keep Lemongrass at or below 2%, and 0.7% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Lemongrass safe to use during pregnancy?
Lemongrass is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Lemongrass safe to use around children?
Lemongrass is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Lemongrass safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — avoid; not considered safe. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Lemongrass blend well with?
Lemongrass pairs well with Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus (Radiata).