Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil, steam distilled from the leaves of ‘Cymbopogon nardus’ or ‘Cymbopogon winterianus’, is known for its fresh, lemony scent with subtle camphor-like undertones. This essential oil is widely used across sectors for its powerful aromatic and functional properties.

Its high content of citronellal and geraniol makes it particularly valued in perfumery, aromatherapy, and household products for its crisp, cleansing profile. It’s also well-regarded for natural pest control formulations due to its insect-repelling properties.

Commonly incorporated into personal care, home fragrance, and household cleaning solutions, it supports clean-label, plant-based product development. Its compatibility with natural surfactants, waxes, and botanical ingredients enhances its versatility in formulation.

Available in HBNO bulk volumes and compatible with private label programs, Citronella Essential Oil (Java) is ideal for scalable manufacturing across product categories.

Key Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

• • • Refreshing, citrus-like scent with natural deodorizing effects.

    • Recognized for natural pest-repellent functionality.

    • Blends well in candles, sprays, and diffusers for odor control.

    • Supports clean-label and plant-based product positioning.

    • Compatible with multiple personal care and home cleaning formulations.

Product Usage

Aromatherapy and Perfumes

• • • Aromatherapy Diffusers: Good for insect-deterring properties in spa and wellness spaces.

    • Perfume Composition: Adds a top citrus note in natural and herbal-themed perfume lines while contributing to overall freshness.

Personal Care and Cosmetics

• • • Body Oils, Sprays, and Lotions: Adds a crisp, fresh scent while offering skin-refreshing properties in body mists, creams, and body lotions.

Home Care

• • • Scented Candles and Incense: Popular for its insect-repelling aroma and clean-burning properties.

    • Room Sprays, Fresheners, and Cleaners: Used to neutralize odors and provide a fresh citrus top note in household applications.
      

  • • Laundry and Dish Care: Blended into eco detergents and softeners for natural fragrance.
      

Food and Flavor

• • • Beverages, Teas, and Confectionery: Applied at trace levels for a lemony flavor note in candies, herbal drinks, and ice creams.

    • Savory Dishes and Brines: Used in marinades and broths to improve freshness in meat and poultry products.

Industrial Usage

• • • Pest Control (Home and Industrial): Acts as a key natural ingredient in bug sprays, repellents, and surface treatments due to its citronellal content.

Applications of Citronella Essential Oil in Product Formulation

Deodorizing Room Spray Lines:

Incorporated into air and linen sprays for targeted odor control, supporting clean-scented formulations used in household, hospitality, and pet care sectors requiring natural aromatic solutions.

Outdoor Candle Collections:

Used as a key aromatic input in wax blends designed for patios, gardens, and exterior-use environments, where scent profiles contribute to a fresher outdoor ambiance. 

Body Spray and Mist Ranges:

Blended into botanical water-alcohol bases to create light body mists that balance olfactory appeal with practical seasonal usage in personal care and travel-friendly product formats.

Safety and Storage

• • • Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight

    • Shelf Life: Best used within 24 months from production when stored properly

    • Packaging: Use amber glass or HDPE containers to prevent oxidation and maintain aroma integrity

    • Handling: Avoid contamination; use non-reactive tools and containers during formulation

    • Dilution: Recommended dilution is necessary before topical application due to high potency

FAQs About Citronella Essential Oil

• What is the difference between Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus Citronella oils?
  Cymbopogon nardus Oil (Ceylon type) tends to have a softer, more floral aroma, while C. winterianus (Java type) has a stronger, sharper citrus profile and higher citronellal content—making the Java variety more effective in insect-repelling applications.

• Can it be used directly on the skin?
  It should always be diluted in a carrier oil before topical use to avoid skin sensitivity.

• What is the flash point of Citronella Essential Oil?
  The flash point is typically around 65°C (149°F), so it should be handled with care near open flames or high heat sources.

• What is the pH compatibility of Citronella Essential Oil in cosmetic formulations?
  As an oil, Citronella does not have a pH, but it is compatible with cosmetic formulations in the typical skin pH range (4.5–6.5) when properly emulsified or solubilized.

• Is Citronella Essential Oil phototoxic?
  No, Citronella oil is not considered phototoxic, making it safer for use in outdoor skincare compared to citrus oils like bergamot.

HBNO® is a leading supplier of Citronella Essential Oil:

We supply any quantity of oil to anywhere in the world. HBNO® Citronella Essential Oil ships wholesale in bulk containers of various sizes, including 1 gallon, 5 gallons, 20 liters, or in any other quantity required by our clients. HBNO® also provides a full turn-key private label service of Citronella Essential Oil.

Prompt dispatch from HBNO® 's 100,000 sq foot California warehouse.

• Technical documents, SDS, Specification, COA available upon request
• Bulk drum and private labeling services available.