Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon citratus) — Steam Distilled, 15 ml

Yes. Our lemongrass essential oil is 100% pure, certified-organic Cymbopogon citratus, sourced from certified-organic farms in Sri Lanka. It contains no synthetic additives, fillers, fragrance oils, or carrier oils. It is steam-distilled from grass leaves and stalks and hand-bottled at our family-owned Madera, California facility.

Fresh, citrusy, and herbaceous — bright lemony scent with earthy, grassy undertones. Like fresh lemon peel mixed with cut green grass. It's a top note that announces itself immediately and fades within 1-2 hours. It is distinctly different from cold-pressed lemon essential oil: lemongrass is grassier and more herbal; lemon is sharper and cleaner.

No — lemongrass is non-phototoxic. Unlike cold-pressed citrus peel oils such as Lemon and Pink Grapefruit, lemongrass is extracted by steam distillation and does not contain furanocoumarins. You do not need to avoid sunlight after topical application. However, lemongrass is a documented skin sensitizer — always dilute to a maximum of 0.7% before applying to skin.

The IFRA maximum topical dilution is 0.7% — meaningfully lower than most other essential oils. In practice: 2 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil for the face (~0.3%), or 4 drops per tablespoon for body use (~0.7%, the maximum). Always patch test before broader use. The 0.7% ceiling is firm; do not exceed even if you've tolerated other essential oils at higher concentrations.

Lemongrass is classified as a skin sensitizer due to its high citral content (65-85% of the oil). Citral has documented contact-sensitization data, and IFRA sets the maximum topical dilution accordingly. Most other essential oils can be safely diluted to 2-2.5%; lemongrass requires the 0.7% ceiling to minimize the risk of contact-sensitization reactions. Higher dilutions are not "stronger" — they're more likely to cause irritation.

Both come from the Cymbopogon genus, but they're different species with different chemistry. Lemongrass (C. citratus) has a sweeter, more lemony aroma due to its high citral content — preferred for aromatherapy, scalp-care blends, and DIY cleaning. Citronella (C. nardus or C. winterianus) has a sharper, grassier scent with a different terpene profile — primarily known as an insect-repellent ingredient. They share family resemblance but are not interchangeable in blends.

For personal insect or mosquito repellent use specifically, we recommend using a properly formulated and registered product like our Buzz Away Bug Repellent (which includes lemongrass alongside several other plant oils, blended at concentrations tested for that specific use). Personal-use insect-repellent products in the United States require EPA registration under FIFRA, which our straight essential oils do not carry. DIY essential-oil sprays can be applied as personal-care or aromatherapy products at the 0.7% topical maximum, but we do not market lemongrass essential oil as an insect repellent.

No. This product is for external aromatherapy use only. While lemongrass is widely used in cooking (particularly in Thai, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan cuisine), culinary applications use the whole grass stalk — fresh or dried — not the concentrated essential oil. Essential oils are extremely potent: a single 15 ml bottle represents a much larger volume of grass than you'd ever use in a single dish, and the concentrated citral can irritate the digestive tract and mucous membranes. For culinary lemongrass flavor, use fresh or dried lemongrass stalks instead.

Yes. Lemongrass is a popular DIY scalp-care ingredient — typically applied as a pre-wash treatment with a carrier oil. Mix 6-8 drops of lemongrass oil into 2 tablespoons of coconut or jojoba carrier oil (do not exceed 8 drops). Massage gently into the scalp, let sit for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. Many users prefer this 1-2 times per week. Patch test on a small area of scalp before broader application; if irritation appears, discontinue use.

Use caution. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils — they lack the liver enzymes needed to metabolize many EO compounds, and citrus and citrus-adjacent oils are among the more problematic for them. Dogs are generally less sensitive but can still react to concentrated exposure. If diffusing lemongrass, ensure your pet can leave the room freely and discontinue use if you notice any signs of distress. Never apply essential oils directly to a pet's fur or skin without veterinary guidance.

Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba, and sweet almond oil are all excellent carriers. Fractionated coconut is lightweight and absorbs quickly — ideal for facial applications. Jojoba closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it a popular choice for scalp pre-wash treatments. Sweet almond is rich and nourishing — best for body massage. For bath soaks, use Epsom Salt or Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes as the dispersant instead.

Approximately 300 drops, depending on viscosity and dropper speed. At typical diffuser usage of 3-5 drops per session, a 15 ml bottle provides roughly 60-100 diffusing sessions — and because lemongrass is used in low drop counts for topical applications (4 drops per tablespoon is the body maximum), the bottle stretches even further for DIY blends.

Store in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed (air is the main oxidation driver). The dark amber glass bottle protects against UV light, but avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. Unlike cold-pressed citrus oils, steam-distilled lemongrass stores well at room temperature — refrigeration is not required. Properly stored, the oil has a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years. Write the open-date on the label to track freshness.