With its sharp, zesty aroma, Citronella Oil is best known for keeping insects at bay. But there’s more to this fresh, uplifting Essential Oil than just repelling bugs. In this blog, we explore the wider uses and benefits of Citronella Oil, and how it can best support everyday wellness.
What Is Citronella Essential Oil?
Steam distilled from the Cymbopogon winterianus botanical species, Citronella Essential Oil carries a powerfully intense, smooth, and lemon-like aroma.
Considered to be a cousin of Lemongrass Essential Oil, Citronella Essential Oil gets its name from the French word meaning ‘lemon balm’. Traditionally, the benefits and uses of Citronella Oil were best known in various Chinese, Sri Lankan and Indonesian medicinal practices, as it was found to be an effective soothing agent for pain, rashes, inflammation and infections.
Citronella Essential Oil is naturally rich in key compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, which contribute to its fresh citrus aroma and its well-known insect-repelling and cleansing properties.
There are two main types of Citronella Essential Oil: Citronella Java Essential Oil and Citronella Ceylon Essential Oil. Each one has slightly different characteristics and uses:
- Citronella Java Essential Oil – Commonly used in aromatherapy, natural insect repellents, and personal care products due to its fresh scent and higher citronellal content.
- Citronella Ceylon Essential Oil – More traditionally used in soaps, candles, and lower-cost formulations, with a slightly softer, woodier aroma.
As such, many people choose Citronella Java Oil over Ceylon for everyday health, wellness, and home use.
Benefits Of Citronella Essential Oil
Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil for Medicinal Use
- Citronella Essential Oil contains powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties that work to prevent and inhibit the growth of fungus on wounds.
- It has also been seen to soothe and prevent infections in the ears, nose and throat.
- Other Citronella Oil benefits have been seen to relax muscles and relieve spasms, abdominal pain, headaches, migraines, excessive coughing, and menstrual related cramping.
- When diluted and used topically, it is known to improve circulation which in turn, may reduce swelling, pain, digestive discomforts and tenderness.
- Citronella has also been seen to exhibit detoxifying, diaphoretic and diuretic properties, which may encourage the expulsion of toxins from the body.
- When inhaled, it is believed to strengthen immunity whilst reducing regular cold and flu symptoms.
Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil for Cosmetic Use
- When used on the skin, the benefits of Citronella Essential Oil are known to deodorise and refresh the body whilst eliminating bacteria. For this reason, it is a great ingredient to have in any body mist formulations.
- In skincare, it is highly valued for its ability to improve the way that the skin absorbs moisture. In addition, it is also known to balance sebum levels and maintain complexions.
- Other Citronella Oil benefits are known to ease skin conditions such as eczema, acne and dermatitis, and its protective abilities may also be effective in reducing skin damage caused by sun exposure.
- It is also believed to reduce signs of aging by smoothing fine lines, blemishes, and scarring.
- Others have found Citronella Oils to be a fantastic natural remedy for bites, sores, warts, and age spots.
Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
- In aromatherapy, the benefits of Citronella Essential Oil are best known to prevent the spread of harmful airborne bacteria whilst repelling flies, insects and mosquitos.
- When inhaled, it has further been seen to uplift the mind whilst easing feelings of stress and nervousness.
- Other benefits of Citronella Oil are believed to alleviate headaches, migraines and nausea whilst improving energy levels.
Popular Citronella Oil Uses
Citronella Essential Oil for Insect Repellent
Using Citronella Essential Oil for Insect Repellent
- Due to the refreshingly lemon-like aroma, Citronella Oil is known to be one of the best essential oils for insects.
- For this reason, it is a common ingredient in many insect repellent formulations such as sprays, candles and lotions.
Citronella Essential Oil for Skin
Using Citronella Essential Oil for Skin
- In skincare, Citronella Essential Oil is known to enhance the skin’s ability to absorb moisture.
- It has also proven to be beneficial for mature skin types, as it is known to reduce signs of aging such as fine lines, spots and wrinkles.
Citronella Essential Oil for Cuts and Wounds
Using Citronella Essential Oil for Cuts and Wounds
- The antibacterial properties within Citronella Oil work to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria on wounds.
- When applied to cuts and wounds, the anti-inflammatory abilities further work to ease redness and swelling whilst stimulating the healing process.
Citronella Essential Oil for Colds and Flu's
Using Citronella Essential Oil for Colds and Flu's
- The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties within Citronella Oil have also proven to be effective for common cold and flu-like symptoms.
- Those experiencing congestion, excessive mucus and coughing may benefit from diffusing Citronella Oil.
Citronella Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
- In aromatherapy, Citronella Essential Oil is best known for its ability to enliven the brain and enhance concentration. For this reason, it is commonly used in offices, studies, and workspaces.
- It is also prized for its ability to alleviate feelings of stress, and nervousness.
How To Use Citronella Essential Oil?
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil in Aromatherapy?
Diffusing: One of the most common ways to use your Citronella Oils is in an aromatherapy diffuser. This may be beneficial for anyone wanting to deter insects or ease cold and flu symptoms.
Inhaling: For those who do not own a diffuser, Citronella Oil can be inhaled directly from the bottle, just be sure to avoid direct contact with the skin as this may result in irritation.
Cleansing Shower: You can also add a drop to each corner of your shower, and the aroma will rise with the steam to create a decongesting atmosphere.
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil on the Skin (Topical Application)
Massage: To create a Citronella infused massage oil simply add a few drops to a carrier oil or base massage oil.
Skin Serum: To address various skin complaints, add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to troubled areas.
Moisturiser: Citronella Oil can also be added to any skincare products or moisturisers to enhance existing benefits.
Insect Repellent: To create an all-natural insect repellent, simply combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle; 60ml of distilled or boiled water, 30ml of Witch Hazel Extract or Vodka & 50 drops of Citronella Essential Oil.
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil for Cleaning
Surface Cleaners: To create an all-natural surface cleaner simply combine ½ Cup White Vinegar and 10 – 15 drops of Citronella Essential Oil in a bottle, shake well before use!
Cleaning Paste: In a bottle combine the following: 1 Cup Baking Soda, ¼ Cup Natural Dish Liquid, 1 Tbsp White Vinegar and 10 – 15 drops of Citronella Essential Oil. Using a microfiber cloth, this formulation can be used to clean sinks, toilets and showers. Allow to sit for 5 - 10 minutes before rinsing well.
Floor Cleaner: You can also add a few drops to your floor detergent to enhance existing benefits.
Using Citronella Oil vs Candles, Sprays and Diffusers
- Citronella Oil (pure) – More versatile and customisable; can be diffused, diluted for topical use, or added to DIY sprays.
- Citronella Candles – Convenient for outdoor use, but often less concentrated and shorter-lasting.
- Citronella Sprays – Easy to apply, though typically diluted and may need frequent reapplication.
- Diffusers – Ideal for indoor use, allowing the oil to disperse naturally while creating a fresh, uplifting atmosphere.
For those looking for flexibility and a more natural approach, pure Citronella Essential Oil is often the preferred choice.
Where To Buy Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella Oils can generally be found in any health, cosmetic and wellbeing retail stores. However, it is important to know that the quality and purity of essential oils will vary according to where they are purchased. For this reason, we always recommend finding a reputable and reliable supplier who is willing to provide product documentation.
At AWO, quality and purity are of paramount importance - and that's why we only provide Citronella Essential Oil that is 100% pure. Follow the link below to view our collection.
What Customers Are Saying About Citronella Oil
“We love diffusing this in a blend outside in summer, so much more effective than any burner or shop repellent. We’ve even used it to make our own bug spray for hiking and it is so lovely on the skin and doesn’t have an overbearing smell that some repellents can have! Great oil!”
Thelma (Verified Customer)
“Smells wonderful. I love the packaging. This oil is top quality”
Olga (Verified Customer)
“Love this, I make my own outdoor insect repellent. Fabulous product!”
Jennifer (Verified Customer)
Citronella Essential Oil Safety
While essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Citronella Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Citronella Essential Oil is very concentrated and is likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found here.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of Citronella Essential Oil?
Citronella Essential Oil is best known as a natural insect repellent, but it also offers a range of everyday wellness benefits. It’s commonly used to help freshen the air, support relaxation, care for skin, and assist with minor cuts and seasonal discomforts.
What is in Citronella Oil?
Citronella Oil is naturally rich in compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol. These components are responsible for its fresh citrus aroma and many of its benefits, including insect-repelling, antibacterial, and calming properties.
How do you use Citronella Oil in a diffuser?
Using a Citronella Oil diffuser is a simple way to enjoy its fresh, uplifting aroma while helping to keep insects at bay. Add a few drops of Citronella Oil Essential Oil to your diffuser with water and allow it to disperse throughout your space.
Resources
Tanu, B & Harpreet, K, 2016, ‘Benefits of essential oils’, Journal Of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 143 – 149
Mandal, S & Mandal, M, 2015, ‘Coriander (Coriandrum satgivum L.) essential oil: Chemistry and biological activity’, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 5, No. 6, pp. 421 - 428
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.
