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%.
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is a floral essential oil, steam-distilled from the grass, produced in India and Brazil. Its aroma is soft, rosy, sitting as a heart note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Geranium, Rose, Lavender, Bergamot (FCF). Keep topical use at or below 10% — everyday blends are usually 1-3%. Always patch-test first.
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 | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 years) |
| 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 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?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Palmarosa. 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 Palmarosa safe to use around children?
Palmarosa is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 years old). 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).