Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
A sharp, citrusy grass oil popular for massage blends and air-freshening, with a note on skin sensitivity at higher strength.
How to use it
3–5 drops for a sharp, energizing citrus-grass scent that freshens a stuffy room.
Dilute to 1–2% in a carrier oil and always patch-test — high citral can sensitize skin.
Safety in detail
- Max dermal use
- ~0.7% on skin (citral is a known sensitiser)
- Phototoxic
- No
- High in citral, which can irritate and sensitise skin — dilute low (around 0.7%) and patch-test.
- Not phototoxic, but its citral content means caution on skin, especially for sensitive or damaged skin.
- Keep out of reach of children and away from the eyes.
Sources: Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Composition & chemistry
Aggregated from 48 GC-MS samples across 30 peer-reviewed open-access studies (2020–2026). Figures are the distribution across those samples — median with interquartile range — not a single reading.
- Oxygenated monoterpene 86.2%
- Monoterpene hydrocarbon 5.4%
- Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon 4.1%
- Unclassified 3.6%
- Oxygenated sesquiterpene 0.7%
| Constituent | Median | Typical range | Max | Detected in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| geranial ↗ C10H16O | 35.3% | 33.0–40.5% | 47.5% | |
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| neral ↗ C10H16O | 27.2% | 25.8–30.4% | 35.5% | |
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| geraniol ↗ C10H18O | 5.3% | 2.6–7.5% | 20.9% | |
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| geranyl acetate ↗ C12H20O2 | 3.3% | 0.9–4.8% | 6.0% | |
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| myrcene ↗ C10H16 | 2.4% | 0.7–7.7% | 24.7% | |
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| β-caryophyllene ↗ C15H24 | 1.6% | 0.7–2.0% | 3.8% | |
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| limonene ↗ C10H16 | 1.2% | 0.6–2.2% | 69.5% | |
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| camphene ↗ C10H16 | 1.1% | 0.6–1.9% | 7.8% | |
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| linalool ↗ C10H18O | 0.9% | 0.6–1.3% | 5.8% | |
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| α-pinene ↗ C10H16 | 0.6% | 0.2–1.7% | 2.7% | |
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| caryophyllene oxide ↗ C15H24O | 0.6% | 0.4–1.2% | 3.4% | |
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| α-terpineol ↗ C10H18O | 0.5% | 0.2–1.8% | 5.6% | |
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+ 100 more compounds reported across the dataset.
30 peer-reviewed sources behind these figures
- Sete da Cruz RM, Ferreira H, Jaski JM, Vieira MCE, Pinc MM, de Souza SGH, Alberton O. (2024). Growth and Phytochemistry of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Maataoui J, Abdelfattah B, Annaz H, Khibech O, Kchikich A, Mrabet A, Ouabou M, Shahat AA, Herqash RN, Basilua JM, Amrani AE, Khaddor M. (2026). Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Insect-Repellent, and Molecular Docking Profiles of Gamma-Irradiated <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> Essential Oil. Microorganisms.
- Faria JMS, Barbosa P. (2024). Cymbopogon citratus Allelochemical Volatiles as Potential Biopesticides against the Pinewood Nematode. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Viteri Jumbo LO, Moura WS, Possel RD, Herrera OM, Fidelis RR, Andrade BS, Smagghe G, Santos GR, Oliveira EE, Aguiar RWS. (2025). Phytochemistry, Mode of Action Predictions, and Synergistic Potential of <i>Hypenia irregularis</i> Essential Oil Mixtures for Controlling <i>Aedes aegypti</i>. Toxins.
- Mutagwaba E, Urassa R, Ngenda E, Mafuru T, Matinde R, Kimaro E, Kapala J, Thomas A, Joseph T, Luanda A. (2025). Comparative larvicidal efficacy of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus stalks and leaves against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. Malaria journal.
- Chaure A, Houdkova M, Antih J, Urbanova K, Doskocil I, Naik ML, Patel KS, Kokoska L. (2023). Validation of Broth Macrodilution Volatilization Method for Testing of Essential Oils in Liquid and Vapor Phase: Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Effect of Indian Medicinal Plants against Pneumonia-Causing Pathogens. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Dangol S, Poudel DK, Ojha PK, Maharjan S, Poudel A, Satyal R, Rokaya A, Timsina S, Dosoky NS, Satyal P, Setzer WN. (2023). Essential Oil Composition Analysis of Cymbopogon Species from Eastern Nepal by GC-MS and Chiral GC-MS, and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Major Compounds. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Yan J, Wu H, Chen K, Feng J, Zhang Y. (2021). Antifungal Activities and Mode of Action of Cymbopogon citratus, Thymus vulgraris, and Origanum heracleoticum Essential Oil Vapors against Botrytis cinerea and Their Potential Application to Control Postharvest Strawberry Gray Mold. Foods (Basel, Switzerland).
- He L, Dai L, Li Y, Yang T, Zhao Y, Fan L, Su F, Cai Z, Ye M. (2026). Multi-Target Antifungal Mechanism of Vapor-Phase <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> Essential Oil: Effective Control of Postharvest <i>Botrytis cinerea</i> and Powdery Mildew. Foods (Basel, Switzerland).
- Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá L, Magalhães IL, Cavalcanti BC, De Souza Araújo ÁG, Correia MVQA, Ferreira TL, Rodrigues DS, Pessoa de Farias Cabral V, Gomes LEAM, de Oliveira LC, de Andrade Neto JB, Silva SRB, de Moraes MO, Dos Santos CC, Nobre Júnior HV, da Silva CR. (2026). Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus: Special Emphasis on Preliminary Fungicidal Mechanisms against Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans. Current microbiology.
- Hanna ME, Ghallab DS, Naggar EMBE, Dekinash MF, Helmy MW, Ghareeb DA, Shawky E. (2026). Cymbopogon proximus essential oil promotes wound healing and attenuates inflammation through mechanisms supported by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Scientific reports.
- Arafa AM, Yahya G, Abdel-Halim MS, Osman A, Nazeih SI, Abbas HA, Mostafa I. (2026). Chemical profile, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf essential oil. BMC complementary medicine and therapies.
- Weshahi HA, Akhtar MS, Tobi SSA, Hossain A, Khan SA, Akhtar AB, Said SA. (2025). Evaluation of acute plant toxicity, antioxidant activity, molecular docking and bioactive compounds of lemongrass oil isolated from Omani cultivar. Toxicology reports.
- Aly SH, Uba AI, Nilofar N, Majrashi TA, El Hassab MA, Eldehna WM, Zengin G, Eldahshan OA. (2025). Chemical composition and biological activity of lemongrass volatile oil and n-Hexane extract: GC/MS analysis, in vitro and molecular modelling studies. PloS one.
- Schneider G, Schweitzer B, Steinbach AS, Hodován ÁS, Horváth M, Bakó E, Mayer A, Pál S. (2025). The Therapeutic Potential of West Indian Lemongrass (<i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>) Essential Oil-Based Ointment in the Treatment of Pitted Keratolysis. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland).
- Ibrahim SS, El-Kholy MY, Shalaby SEM. (2025). Insecticidal effects of nano-encapsulated lemongrass essential oil on the population parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda using two-sex life table. Scientific reports.
- Tadtong S, Chantavacharakorn R, Khayankan S, Akachaipaibul P, Eiamart W, Samee W. (2025). Synergistic Antifungal Properties, Chemical Composition, and Frontier Molecular Orbital Analysis of Essential Oils from Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Lime, Dill, and Shatavari Against Malassezia furfur. International journal of molecular sciences.
- Baranová B, Kudláčková B, Baral RP, Svojanovská L, Javed Q, Amato G, Caputo L, De Martino L, Francolino R, Chaudhary SK, Elshafie HS, Adhikari A, De Feo V, Gruľová D. (2025). Potential Herbicidal and Insecticidal (Beneficial) Properties of Nepalese Lemongrass Essential Oil. Chemistry & biodiversity.
- Kaddumukasa MA, Mutekanga NM, Kula F, Batume C, Kato AB. (2025). Spatial Exposure Responses of Malaria Vectors to <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i> (W. Hill ex Maiden) and <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> (DC.) Stapf Essential Oils. Biology.
- Assaggaf H, Jeddi M, Mrabti HN, Ez-Zoubi A, Qasem A, Attar A, Goh BH, Tan SL, Bouyahya A, Goh KW, Hachlafi NE. (2024). Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity. Scientific reports.
- Nagata T, Satou T, Hayashi S, Satyal P, Watanabe M, Riggs B, Saida Y. (2024). Citral in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, litsea, and melissa essential oils suppress the growth and invasion of breast cancer cells. BMC complementary medicine and therapies.
- Moutassem D, Boubellouta T, Bellik Y, Rouis Z, Kucher DE, Utkina AO, Kucher OD, Mironova OA, Kavhiza NJ, Rebouh NY. (2024). Insecticidal activity of Thymus pallescens de Noë and Cymbogon citratus essential oils against Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum. Scientific reports.
- Karami F, Osanloo M, Alipanah H, Zarenezhad E, Moghimi F, Ghanbariasad A. (2024). Comparison of the efficacy of alginate nanoparticles containing Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citral on melanoma and breast cancer cell lines under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. BMC complementary medicine and therapies.
- Nebié B, Dabiré CM, Bationo RK, Soma DD, Namountougou M, Sosso S, Nebié RCH, Dabiré RK, Palé E, Duez P. (2024). Investigation on chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens from Western Burkina Faso. Malaria journal.
- EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F, Ramos F, Sanz Y, Villa RE, Woutersen R, Chesson A, Schlatter J, Westendorf J, Dirven Y, Manini P, Dusemund B. (2023). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the aerial parts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) Will. Watson (lemongrass oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl). EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority.
- Schweitzer B, Balázs VL, Molnár S, Szögi-Tatár B, Böszörményi A, Palkovics T, Horváth G, Schneider G. (2022). Antibacterial Effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogoncitratus) against the Aetiological Agents of Pitted Keratolyis. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Rhimi W, Mohammed MA, Zarea AAK, Greco G, Tempesta M, Otranto D, Cafarchia C. (2022). Antifungal, Antioxidant and Antibiofilm Activities of Essential Oils of Cymbopogon spp. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland).
- Jin C, Han H, Xie Y, Li B, Zhang Z, Zhang D. (2022). Toxicity, Behavioral Effects, and Chitin Structural Chemistry of Reticulitermes flaviceps Exposed to Cymbopogon citratus EO and Its Major Constituent Citral. Insects.
- Thoma JL, Cantrell CL, Zheljazkov VD. (2022). Evaluation of Essential Oils as Sprout Suppressants for Potato (Solanum tuberosum) at Room Temperature Storage. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Oro V, Krnjajic S, Tabakovic M, Stanojevic JS, Ilic-Stojanovic S. (2020). Nematicidal Activity of Essential Oils on a Psychrophilic Panagrolaimus sp. (Nematoda: Panagrolaimidae). Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
Every figure above traces to a named table in one of these open-access papers. How this was built →
- Citral (geranial + neral) — the dominant, lemon-scented aldehyde pair; studied for antimicrobial activity in vitro and also the main skin-sensitiser to respect Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Its aroma is closer to the lemongrass used in Thai cooking than to actual lemon peel.
What the research says
An honest read of the published research — what has actually been studied, at what stage. Not medical advice or a promise of results.
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Lemongrass oil and its citral content have been studied for antimicrobial and antifungal activity in the laboratory. These are in-vitro findings about the oil's chemistry, not evidence it treats infections in people.
Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Evidence & sources
Peer-reviewed research on Lemongrass's chemistry and safety. These describe composition and documented effects — not health or treatment claims.
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Lemongrass oil is defined by citral (geranial + neral), typically making up two-thirds or more of the oil.
Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Frequently asked questions
Why does lemongrass need such heavy dilution?
Its high citral content is a known skin sensitiser. Diluting low (around 0.7% in a carrier oil) and patch-testing keeps it enjoyable while lowering the chance of irritation. Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Is lemongrass the same as lemon oil?
No — lemongrass is a grass distilled to a citral-rich oil, while lemon is cold-pressed from citrus peel and is limonene-rich. They smell lemony for different chemical reasons.
Is lemongrass phototoxic?
No. Unlike cold-pressed citrus oils, lemongrass isn't phototoxic — but its citral content still calls for careful dilution on skin. Ekpenyong et al. (2012), African Journal of Biotechnology
Gallery
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is steam-distilled from a tall, clumping tropical grass grown widely across South and Southeast Asia, where the fresh stalks are a kitchen staple long before the essential oil industry ever took an interest in them. The oil’s intensely bright, citrusy aroma is closer to the lemongrass used in Thai cooking than to actual lemon peel oil, despite the shared “lemon” name.
Why it smells the way it does
Lemongrass is extremely high in citral, the same aromatic compound pair (neral and geranial) responsible for much of true lemon’s scent — which is why the two oils smell related even though the plants aren’t. It’s also a familiar background note in commercial candle and cleaning-product fragrances, precisely because that citral-driven brightness reads as “fresh” so reliably.
In the diffuser
3–5 drops delivers a sharp, energizing citrus-grass scent, good for freshening a room or cutting through stuffiness after closing up a space for a while.
On skin
Lemongrass is high in citral, a compound known to be a skin sensitizer for some people at higher concentrations. Keep topical dilution to 1–2% and always patch-test first, especially on sensitive skin — see our allergy and safety guide.
What pairs well
Its bright, grassy citrus note works well with other citrus oils, as well as with ginger and spearmint for an energizing blend.
Internal use
Lemongrass Vitality is the labeled option for culinary use; don’t substitute the standard oil for cooking, since it isn’t packaged or labeled for ingestion.
Found in these blends
Lemongrass is one of the oils inside 5 Young Living blends.