Citronella Oil: Benefit & Applications

Citronella oil is an essential oil derived from the Cymbopogon genus and contains many aroma compounds such as Citronellol, Citronellal, Geraniol, etc. These terpenoid compounds has citrusy, grassy, fresh, and woody odor which together blends nicely creating the unique aroma of Citronella oil. On the other hand, the Natural Isolate such as Citronellol, Citronellol and Geraniol has a single-clean type of scent that can be used by perfumer to replicate a specific aroma of interest.

There are a lot of benefits and applications of Citronella oil. Here are some of the main applications of Citronella essential oil.

1. Insect Repellent

Hot and humid climate is the best environment for mosquitoes. Keep in mind the dangers of these biting bugs:Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex species, which can caused deadly diseases [1]. For bug repellent application, Citronella essential oil may be directly used on the skin alone or with a combination of another bug repellent essential oil such as Lavender essential oil and Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil and so on. If the mixture is too thick, distilled water, and/or white vinegar can be added [2].

2. Personal Care

Toothpaste, shampoo, bath soap, detergent, perfume, and sunscreen are some examples of personal care items that may contain Citronella oil. Citronella oil has many benefits for skin and hair, due to its antidandruff property [3], [4]. Other reason to add Citronella oil in the product, such as in the soap, detergent, perfume, is because it has a fresh smell and is citrus-like [5], [6].

3. Flavoring Agent

A drop of citronella oil can create a citrus-like and grassy aroma so it is also commonly added to food and beverages. In this article by Canadian Government, Citronella essential oil is used in alcoholic beverages, puddings, cereal, candy, and many others in low concentrations (maximum level of usage: 13 to 48 ppm) [7].

4. Wellness

Aromatherapy offers a unique influence to human physical and mental health. In one study, Citronella essential oil is shown to significantly reduced blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate after inhalation. The test participants also reported to have a fresher state of mind and a better mood in general. It is believed that Citronella oil gives a "harmonization" and relaxing effect to the human [8].

PT Mitra Ayu is a major manufacturer and supplier of Citronella oil and its Natural Isolates. For more information, please see the PT Mitra Ayu's product list HERE.

If you have any questions about Citronella oil or any other Indonesian natural products, contact us at info@ptmitraayu.com or send us a message HERE.

References :

[1] https://www.rti.org/insights/mosquito-facts#:~:text=The%20most%20dangerous%20mosquitoes%20are,found%20virtually%20everywhere%20except%20Antarctica.

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/homemade-bug-spray#diy-recipe-for-home

[3] https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/17-amazing-benefits-of-citronella-oil-for-skin-hair-and-health-experiment/

[4] http://jurnal.unpad.ac.id/idjp/article/view/21551

[5] https://www.budget101.com/tips-n-tricks/3101-gardeners-dream-citronella-soap/

[6] https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/694/1/012075/meta

[7] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/information-product/safety-summary-citronella-oil-flavouring-agent.html

[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233967835_THE_HARMONIZING_EFFECTS_OF_CITRONELLA_OIL_ON_MOOD_STATES_AND_BRAIN_ACTIVITIES