# Lemongrass essential oil > A sharp, citrusy grass oil popular for massage blends and air-freshening, with a note on skin sensitivity at higher strength. Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/lemongrass Type: Single oil ## At a glance - **Botanical name:** Cymbopogon flexuosus - **Plant part:** Grass leaves - **Extraction:** Steam-distilled - **Aroma:** Sharp, bright citrus - **Origin:** Southeast Asia - **Blends with:** Citrus, ginger, spearmint ## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate) Based on 48 GC-MS samples from 30 peer-reviewed papers (2020–2026); Strong evidence base. 112 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range): | Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | geranial | Oxygenated monoterpene | 35.25 | 32.99–40.55 | 47.53 | 16 | | neral | Oxygenated monoterpene | 27.21 | 25.8–30.45 | 35.5 | 16 | | geraniol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 5.33 | 2.58–7.5 | 20.86 | 21 | | geranyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 3.28 | 0.9–4.85 | 5.95 | 17 | | myrcene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 2.42 | 0.74–7.71 | 24.7 | 14 | | β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.62 | 0.7–2.04 | 3.83 | 18 | | linalool | Oxygenated monoterpene | 0.93 | 0.6–1.3 | 5.79 | 25 | | limonene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1.23 | 0.62–2.24 | 69.55 | 17 | | camphene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1.11 | 0.61–1.87 | 7.8 | 14 | | α-pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 0.62 | 0.24–1.67 | 2.67 | 16 | | caryophyllene oxide | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 0.55 | 0.4–1.23 | 3.35 | 16 | | α-terpineol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 0.47 | 0.21–1.77 | 5.61 | 11 | Chemotypes seen in the samples: geranial (52% of samples), citral (10% of samples). ## Key constituents - **Citral** (65-85%) — The neral + geranial pair; the dominant compound and known skin sensitizer at higher concentrations ## How to use it - **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops for a sharp, energizing citrus-grass scent that freshens a stuffy room. - **On skin:** Dilute to 1–2% in a carrier oil and always patch-test — high citral can sensitize skin. ## Safety - Lemongrass is high in citral and can sensitize skin — keep topical dilution to 1–2% and always patch-test first. - Maximum dermal use: ~0.7% on skin (citral is a known sensitiser). - 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. ## What the research says - 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 (https://doi.org/10.5897/ajb11.2939) ## Evidence - 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 (https://doi.org/10.5897/ajb11.2939) ## 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. ### 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. ## Sources (GC-MS studies) - Sete da Cruz RM, Ferreira H, Jaski JM, Vieira MCE, Pinc MM, de Souza SGH, Alberton O. Growth and Phytochemistry of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11013308 - Maataoui J, Abdelfattah B, Annaz H, Khibech O, Kchikich A, Mrabet A, Ouabou M, Shahat AA, Herqash RN, Basilua JM, Amrani AE, Khaddor M. Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Insect-Repellent, and Molecular Docking Profiles of Gamma-Irradiated <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> Essential Oil. _Microorganisms_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13414017 - Faria JMS, Barbosa P. Cymbopogon citratus Allelochemical Volatiles as Potential Biopesticides against the Pinewood Nematode. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11359173 - Viteri Jumbo LO, Moura WS, Possel RD, Herrera OM, Fidelis RR, Andrade BS, Smagghe G, Santos GR, Oliveira EE, Aguiar RWS. Phytochemistry, Mode of Action Predictions, and Synergistic Potential of <i>Hypenia irregularis</i> Essential Oil Mixtures for Controlling <i>Aedes aegypti</i>. _Toxins_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12390512 - Mutagwaba E, Urassa R, Ngenda E, Mafuru T, Matinde R, Kimaro E, Kapala J, Thomas A, Joseph T, Luanda A. Comparative larvicidal efficacy of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus stalks and leaves against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. _Malaria journal_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12717681 - Chaure A, Houdkova M, Antih J, Urbanova K, Doskocil I, Naik ML, Patel KS, Kokoska L. 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)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10304056 - Dangol S, Poudel DK, Ojha PK, Maharjan S, Poudel A, Satyal R, Rokaya A, Timsina S, Dosoky NS, Satyal P, Setzer WN. 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)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9863348 - Yan J, Wu H, Chen K, Feng J, Zhang Y. 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)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8536117 - He L, Dai L, Li Y, Yang T, Zhao Y, Fan L, Su F, Cai Z, Ye M. 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)_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12896534 - 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. Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus: Special Emphasis on Preliminary Fungicidal Mechanisms against Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans. _Current microbiology_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13043562 - Hanna ME, Ghallab DS, Naggar EMBE, Dekinash MF, Helmy MW, Ghareeb DA, Shawky E. Cymbopogon proximus essential oil promotes wound healing and attenuates inflammation through mechanisms supported by network pharmacology and molecular docking. _Scientific reports_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13237199 - Arafa AM, Yahya G, Abdel-Halim MS, Osman A, Nazeih SI, Abbas HA, Mostafa I. Chemical profile, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf essential oil. _BMC complementary medicine and therapies_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13282879 - Weshahi HA, Akhtar MS, Tobi SSA, Hossain A, Khan SA, Akhtar AB, Said SA. Evaluation of acute plant toxicity, antioxidant activity, molecular docking and bioactive compounds of lemongrass oil isolated from Omani cultivar. _Toxicology reports_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11772142 - Aly SH, Uba AI, Nilofar N, Majrashi TA, El Hassab MA, Eldehna WM, Zengin G, Eldahshan OA. Chemical composition and biological activity of lemongrass volatile oil and n-Hexane extract: GC/MS analysis, in vitro and molecular modelling studies. _PloS one_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11856542 - Schneider G, Schweitzer B, Steinbach AS, Hodován ÁS, Horváth M, Bakó E, Mayer A, Pál S. The Therapeutic Potential of West Indian Lemongrass (<i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>) Essential Oil-Based Ointment in the Treatment of Pitted Keratolysis. _Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11939757 - Ibrahim SS, El-Kholy MY, Shalaby SEM. Insecticidal effects of nano-encapsulated lemongrass essential oil on the population parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda using two-sex life table. _Scientific reports_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11961703 - Tadtong S, Chantavacharakorn R, Khayankan S, Akachaipaibul P, Eiamart W, Samee W. 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_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12193099 - 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. Potential Herbicidal and Insecticidal (Beneficial) Properties of Nepalese Lemongrass Essential Oil. _Chemistry & biodiversity_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12533800 - Kaddumukasa MA, Mutekanga NM, Kula F, Batume C, Kato AB. 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_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12730491 - Assaggaf H, Jeddi M, Mrabti HN, Ez-Zoubi A, Qasem A, Attar A, Goh BH, Tan SL, Bouyahya A, Goh KW, Hachlafi NE. Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity. _Scientific reports_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11035653 - …and 10 more on the canonical page. _Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._