Citronella Essential Oil

INCI Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil

Overview

A bright, lemony-grassy essential oil distilled from citronella grass.

What it is

Citronella Essential Oil is distilled from citronella grass, a relative of lemongrass. It carries a bright, citrusy, slightly grassy aroma, widely recognized from candles and outdoor products.

Where it comes from and how it’s made

Citronella grass is grown widely across Southeast Asia. The grass is steam-distilled to draw out its essential oil.

What it does in a formulation

Contributes a bright, citrusy-grassy note to a finished product’s scent profile.

Why Lovebee uses it

Citronella has such an instantly recognizable, breezy outdoor character — we like working it into scents meant to feel fresh and a little bit summery.

Good to know

  • Used throughout our blended topical products; sold on its own as a single-note oil, it’s intended for diffuser use only.

Common questions

What does Citronella Essential Oil smell like?

Bright, citrusy, and slightly grassy — widely recognized from candles and outdoor products.

Is Citronella the same as Lemongrass?

They’re related plants with a similar citrusy-grassy character, though distinct in scent.

Can I apply this essential oil directly to my skin?

Not as a standalone oil — on its own, it’s intended for diffuser use only. You’ll already find it safely blended into a number of our topical products, though.