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Lemongrass Essential Oil Benefits for Skin & Hair

Botanical Name:
Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian) / Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian)

INCI Name:
Cymbopogon Citratus Oil / Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil

Extract Type:
Steam-distilled essential oil from fresh leaves and aerial parts

Benefits:
Antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, deodorizing, insect repellent, aromatherapeutic

Best Uses:
Clarifying and oil-control skincare, deodorants, antifungal foot care, scalp-refreshing treatments, natural insect-repellent formulas, odor-neutralizing body products

Lemongrass essential oil is a powerful, citrus-bright oil distilled from the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus. Renowned for its exceptionally high citral content, it delivers robust antimicrobial and deodorizing benefits while offering a refreshingly clean scent. In clean skincare, formulators use lemongrass oil in tiny amounts to help control excess oil, reduce odor-causing bacteria, support antifungal care, and add an uplifting aroma to body and scalp products.

What the Science Says

  • Shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including effects on biofilms and drug-resistant strains, largely attributed to citral-rich chemistry[1][3]
  • Demonstrates strong antifungal action against Candida species and dermatophytes at low concentrations[2]
  • Reduces inflammatory markers and offers analgesic support in clinical and preclinical models[4]
  • Provides antioxidant capacity and natural insect-repellent effects validated in laboratory studies[4]

Key Nutrients / Compounds

  • Citral (Geranial + Neral): Potent antimicrobial and deodorizing aldehydes responsible for the lemony scent
  • Geraniol: Supports additional antimicrobial and aromatic floral notes
  • Myrcene: Monoterpene that may aid penetration and soothing sensations
  • Citronellal: Contributes to insect-repelling activity and crisp citrus tone
  • Geranyl Acetate: Fruity-floral ester that rounds the aroma
  • Limonene: Refreshing terpene with surface-clearing and antimicrobial properties

Skin Benefits

  • Helps reduce excess oil and the look of shine
  • Deodorizes by targeting odor-causing bacteria
  • Supports antifungal care for feet and nails
  • Clarifies the appearance of congested, problem-prone skin
  • Provides a refreshing, clean after-feel

Hair & Scalp Benefits

  • Helps balance scalp oils for a cleaner, fresher feel
  • Deodorizes the scalp and neutralizes odor after workouts or hats
  • Supports reduction of scalp buildup alongside proper cleansing
  • Pairs well in rinse-off shampoos and targeted scalp tonics at very low levels

Why Natural Escapes Body Uses It

We use lemongrass essential oil for its standout freshness and proven antimicrobial strength. In careful, low-dose formulations it helps keep skin and scalp feeling clean, supports antifungal foot care, and brings a bright, uplifting aroma to our products.

Products Featuring This Ingredient

  • Toning Body Lotion

Safety Notes

  • Comedogenicity: 0 (non-comedogenic)
  • Dilution: Use at 0.1–0.7% total formula. Never apply undiluted.
  • Patch Test: Always patch test. Discontinue if redness, burning, or rash occurs.
  • Who Should Avoid: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid use on children under 2 years; use caution on very sensitive or compromised skin.
  • Formulation Notes: Add in cool-down below 40°C; avoid bath products; combine carefully with other citral-rich oils.
  • Storage: Store in dark glass, cool conditions. Oxidation increases irritation potential. Use within 2–3 years.

FAQs

Is lemongrass oil safe for sensitive skin?

Generally no. Lemongrass oil is highly concentrated in citral, a known skin sensitizer. Sensitive skin types should avoid it or only use it in professionally formulated products at extremely low levels.

Is lemongrass oil good for acne-prone skin?

It can help by reducing surface oil and targeting acne-associated bacteria, but it must be used in very low concentrations to prevent irritation.

Can lemongrass oil brighten the skin?

Its antioxidant properties may help improve overall skin radiance and clarity over time, but it is not a bleaching agent. Always use in safe, diluted formulations.

Does lemongrass oil firm or tone the skin?

Yes. Its natural astringent qualities can give skin a firmer, more toned feel by temporarily tightening pores and reducing excess oil.

What skin types benefit most from lemongrass oil?

Oily and combination skin types often benefit most from its astringent and clarifying effects. 

Can lemongrass oil help with fungal concerns like athlete’s foot?

Yes. It has proven antifungal activity and can be helpful in foot care products when used at safe, diluted levels.

Is lemongrass oil safe during pregnancy?

No. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before use.

How should I store lemongrass oil?

Keep it sealed in dark glass away from heat and light. Discard if the aroma becomes sharp or off, which may indicate oxidation.

Scientific References

  1. Antimicrobial Activity of Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and Its Active Component Citral Against Dual-Species Biofilms. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2020.
  2. Antifungal activity of the lemongrass oil and citral against Candida spp. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008.
  3. Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and chemical analysis of lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and pure citral. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2016.
  4. Lemongrass Essential Oil Components with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities. Antioxidants, 2021.
  5. Exploring the Clinical Applications of Lemongrass Essential Oil: A Scoping Review. PMC, 2024
  6. Tisserand Institute - Essential Oil Safety Guidelines
  7. AromaWeb - Lemongrass Essential Oil Safety Information