The opening is immediate and assertive, sharp and lemon-bright with a green, grassy warmth that sets it apart from the cold sharpness of lemon peel oil. The citral dominates throughout, giving a smooth, sweet lemongrass quality that reads as both fresh and slightly tropical. Geraniol and geranyl acetate in the mid-range add a faint rose-like warmth and softness that prevents the oil from reading as simply harsh or medicinal. It is a strong material with a medium aroma strength that punches well above its percentage in a formula. The Cochin type (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is the preferred variety for perfumery and personal care, with a cleaner, more refined character than the West Indian type (C. citratus), which tends toward a heavier, more earthy lemongrass note.

Lemongrass Essential Oil works as a top note, citral-forward modifier, and fresh citrus-herbal anchor.

Recommended concentration: 0.5-2% in finished fragrance formulations; follow IFRA guidelines strictly for leave-on skin applications due to citral content.

Particularly effective in:

Fresh, herbal, and citrus-forward fragrance compositions
Tropical and Southeast Asian-inspired blends
Men’s grooming and fresh aromatic personal care
Shampoos, conditioners, and hair care where a clean, uplifting note is desired
Cleansers, toners, and body washes
Candles and home fragrance where a strong, fresh lemon-grass character is needed
Aromatherapy blends for focus and energy

Blends well with:

Citrus: bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit
Herbs: lavender, rosemary, clary sage, basil
Florals: geranium, rose at low levels
Spice: ginger, black pepper, cardamom
Woods: cedarwood for grounding contrast

Suitable for candles and home fragrance. High citral content means IFRA leave-on skin limits must be observed carefully.

Material Type: Essential oil
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon flexuosus
Common Name: East Indian Lemongrass, Cochin Lemongrass
Plant Part: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
CAS Number: 8007-02-1
Origin: India
Odour Profile: Sharp, fresh, smooth lemongrass, bright citral, slightly grassy, faintly rosy
Appearance: Clear yellow liquid
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils
Key Components: Citral (neral and geranial, 60-82%), geranyl acetate (0.5-8%), geraniol (1.5-9%)
Agriculture: Conventional
INCI Name: Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Regulatory Status: SDS and/or IFRA documentation can be supplied upon request where available.

For external use only. Do not ingest
High citral content; citral is an IFRA-restricted allergen. Observe leave-on skin limits strictly and always dilute before skin application
Not recommended during pregnancy
May cause skin sensitisation and irritation, particularly at higher concentrations; patch test before use
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
Strong aroma; use in a well-ventilated area
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place below 30°C
Shelf life: 2-3 years when stored correctly; keep in a full, tightly sealed container to slow oxidation