Pure Citronella Essential Oil 10ml - Cymbopogon Nardus

Core Product Details

• Botanical Name: Cymbopogon Nardus
• Plant Family: Poaceae (grass family)
• Plant Part Used: Leaves and stems
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation
• Country of Origin: India

Quality & Purity

• 100% Pure & Natural: No fillers, synthetics, or carrier oils added.
• GC/MS Tested: Every batch tested to verify purity and constituent integrity.
• Vegan & Cruelty-Free: No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals.
• Australian Brand: Proudly Australian-owned and operated.

Aromatic Profile & Notes

• Aromatic Note: Top to middle
• Aromatic Profile: What does Citronella essential oil smell like? Citronella oil unfolds with bright, sharp lemon-grass opening notes tinged with herbaceous green undertones. As the scent develops, a subtle woody warmth emerges beneath the citrus canopy, creating a complex interplay between zest and earth. The dry-down reveals gentle camphoraceous whispers that linger softly on fabric and skin. Historically cultivated across Southeast Asia for centuries, citronella was prized in traditional outdoor preparations and ceremonial fumigations. The aroma evokes dusk gatherings in tropical gardens, where oil lamps infused with citronella protected celebrations under open skies. Its distinctive profile is both invigorating and protective, sharpening focus while establishing an invisible aromatic barrier.

• Key Constituents: Citronellal (32–45%), geraniol (18–25%), citronellol (9–15%), geranyl acetate (3–8%), limonene (3–10%), elemol (2–5%), β-caryophyllene (trace amounts). Constituent percentages vary based on harvest timing, soil composition, and distillation parameters.

How Does Citronella Oil Work as a Natural Insect Repellent?

Citronella oil provides aromatic outdoor protection by creating an environment that naturally discourages mosquitoes and flying insects. The high concentration of citronellal and geraniol—comprising up to 70% of the oil's composition—interferes with the olfactory receptors insects use to locate hosts. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citronella has been registered as a plant-based insect repellent since 1948, with a long-established safety profile for topical and atmospheric use. When diffused outdoors or applied to pulse points in proper dilution, citronella oil establishes an invisible protective boundary that traditionally supported gatherings in mosquito-prone regions. The oil's lemony volatility ensures rapid atmospheric dispersion, ideal for balconies, camping expeditions, and garden entertaining. For comprehensive strategies on natural insect and mosquito protection, explore traditional blending ratios and application zones that maximise atmospheric coverage during peak insect activity hours.

Can Citronella Oil Help Eliminate Household Odours?

Citronella oil provides powerful deodorising support by neutralising unwanted scents rather than masking them. The aldehyde-rich chemical profile, particularly citronellal, interacts with odour molecules at a molecular level, breaking down compounds responsible for musty, stale, or pet-related aromas. In a 2019 study published in Industrial Crops and Products, citronella demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against odour-causing bacteria, inhibiting growth at concentrations as low as 0.5%. Add 15 drops to 500ml water in a spray bottle for an effective room and fabric mist that refreshes upholstery, curtains, and carpets. The bright citrus character uplifts stagnant air without synthetic fragrance overload. Many households turn to citronella when combating seasonal humidity or enclosed-space mustiness, particularly in laundries, mudrooms, and storage areas. Discover detailed protocols for home deodorising and surface care using citronella-based solutions that respect natural fibres while delivering lasting freshness.

How Can Citronella Oil Support Pet Care and Flea Management?

Citronella oil offers gentle aromatic support for pet spaces by creating an environment less attractive to fleas and other pests. The oil's volatile terpenes disrupt the sensory signals fleas rely on to identify hosts, making bedding and resting areas less hospitable. A 2015 veterinary study in Parasitology Research found citronella demonstrated repellent activity against cat fleas at dilutions of 5% in carrier solutions. Always use extreme caution with pets—never apply undiluted oil directly to fur, and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overwhelming sensitive animal olfactory systems. Diffuse intermittently (15 minutes on, 45 minutes off) in rooms pets occupy, or add 3 drops to 100ml water as a light bedding spray after washing. The deodorising properties also address pet odour in carpets and fabric surfaces. For species-specific dilution guidelines and natural pet flea and odour control protocols, consult detailed safety thresholds that respect the heightened sensitivity of companion animals.

How to Use Citronella Oil

• Create a Targeted Roll-On: Combine 6 drops citronella oil with 10ml jojoba oil in a glass roller bottle for pulse-point application before outdoor activities. Apply to wrists, behind ears, and ankles—areas with higher skin temperature that enhance scent diffusion. Reapply every 2–3 hours during prolonged outdoor exposure.

How to Make a Citronella Room Spray

• DIY Application: Add 20 drops citronella oil and 1 teaspoon witch hazel to a 100ml glass spray bottle, then top with distilled water. Shake vigorously before each use. Mist into air, onto outdoor cushions, or around doorways and window frames. For added complexity, blend with 5 drops lemon oil to amplify fresh citrus brightness and boost cleaning properties.

Aromatherapy Diffusion

Citronella oil promotes a clarified, focused atmosphere when diffused during creative work or evening relaxation. Add 4–6 drops to an ultrasonic diffuser and run for 30-minute intervals. Historically used in Southeast Asian meditation spaces to clear mental fog and establish boundaries between sacred and everyday environments, citronella's sharp herbaceous character cuts through stagnant energy while maintaining a grounded, earthy undertone. Ideal for study zones, home offices, and transition spaces like entryways.

Blends Well With

Cajeput Oil • Cypress Oil • Mandarin Oil • Cinnamon Leaf Oil • Holy Basil Oil • Roman Chamomile Oil • Aniseed Oil

General Safety & Application Guidelines

• External Use Only: Never ingest citronella essential oil. Internal consumption may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or toxicity. This product is formulated exclusively for aromatic and topical use in proper dilution.

• High Potency & Dilution: Citronella oil is potent and requires dilution before skin contact. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends a maximum dermal dilution of 2–3% for adults (approximately 12–18 drops per 30ml carrier oil). For facial application or sensitive skin, reduce to 1% (6 drops per 30ml). Always blend with fractionated coconut oil or another suitable carrier before topical application.

• Medication Interactions: According to Tisserand & Young's Essential Oil Safety (2nd edition), citronella oil may potentiate blood-thinning medications due to its coumarin content, although present only in trace amounts. Individuals taking anticoagulant drugs (warfarin, heparin) should consult a healthcare professional before topical use. No significant cytochrome P450 interactions documented.

• Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Keep tightly sealed and out of reach of children and pets. Oxidised citronella oil increases dermal sensitisation risk—replace bottles after 12 months of opening.

Specific Precautions

• Pregnancy & Nursing: Citronella oil is generally considered safe during the second and third trimesters at dilutions not exceeding 1%. Avoid use during the first trimester due to limited safety data. Nursing mothers may use citronella oil in atmospheric diffusion but should avoid direct application to breast tissue.

• Children & Pets: Tisserand & Young advise against dermal application for children under 2 years. For children aged 2–10, maintain dilutions below 1% and avoid prolonged exposure. Never diffuse continuously in rooms occupied by infants. Cats are particularly sensitive to citronella due to limited glucuronidation pathways—avoid topical application and ensure adequate ventilation during diffusion. Dogs tolerate diluted citronella better but require species-specific dilution protocols and veterinary consultation for animals with respiratory conditions.