Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is a floral essential oil with a soft, rosy aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from grass, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Geranium, Rose, Lavender. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Floral |
| Chemical family | Monoterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | grass |
| Origin | India, Brazil, Guatemala |
| Blending factor | 5 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8014-19-5 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
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.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Oatmeal Gentle →
- Wheat Bran Enzyme →
- Silver Salt Glow →
- Bright Polish Lullaby →
- Butter Lullaby →
- Soft Polish Compass →
- Electric Butter Wave →
- Nourish Breeze →
- Polish Anchor →
- Moonlit Butter Spark →
- Butter Focus →
- Glacier Nourish Aura →
- Tone Pulse →
- Clear Tone Circuit →
- Butter Shield →
- Evergreen Butter Breeze →
- Tone Shield →
- Amber Tone Garden →
- Saffron Polish Horizon →
- Soft Comfort Sanctuary →
- Comfort Trail →
- Ocean Brainwave Glow →
- Temple Workshop →
- Follicle Glow →
Frequently asked questions
What does Palmarosa essential oil smell like?
Palmarosa has a soft, rosy aroma, classed as a floral oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Palmarosa?
For topical use, keep Palmarosa at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Palmarosa safe to use during pregnancy?
Palmarosa is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Palmarosa safe to use around children?
Palmarosa is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Palmarosa safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Palmarosa blend well with?
Palmarosa pairs well with Geranium, Rose, Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Ylang Ylang (Complete).