Lemongrass Essential Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about lemongrass essential oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses lemongrass essential oil mainly as a fragrance ingredient. Some studies on this page tested it in animals, in the lab, by inhalation (aromatherapy), or for medical conditions. FDA treats claims that a product relieves anxiety or stress-related conditions, helps you sleep, eases pain, or treats any condition as drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

Insect-repellent, antifungal, and dandruff claims: Repellent claims are regulated by the EPA as pesticide claims, and antifungal (including foot) and dandruff claims are FDA drug claims. ORY^® does not make these claims for lemongrass oil.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Essential oils in cosmetics are regulated as fragrance ingredients. Industry safety limits are set by IFRA Standards, based on safety assessments by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). We did not locate a Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) conclusion specific to lemongrass oil. IFRA restricts citral, which limits lemongrass use levels.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
    • What it shows: RIFM safety evaluation criteria.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA Standards.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Composition is documented in reviews.

Citations:

• • Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (lemon grass). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(1), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.79796
    • What it shows: Review of lemongrass.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Citral is a known sensitizer and is restricted by IFRA.

Citations:

• • Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
    • What it shows: Patch test data.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA citral standard.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. Lab studies found antifungal activity; dandruff claims are drug claims.

Citations:

• • Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., Saidi, F., & Kebir, H. T. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9, 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
    • What it shows: Lab and animal study.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
    • What it shows: FDA dandruff rule.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Lab and animal studies describe antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity. Deodorant (odor-control) use is cosmetic; antifungal and repellent claims are not. Claims about mood, stress, or sleep are drug claims under FDA rules, so ORY^® describes only the scent.

Citations:

• • Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., Saidi, F., & Kebir, H. T. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9, 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
    • What it shows: Lab and animal study.
  • Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (lemon grass). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(1), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.79796
    • What it shows: Review.
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 40 CFR 152.25(f) — Minimum risk pesticides exempt from FIFRA registration (insect-repellent claims are pesticide claims; exemption only if all label and ingredient conditions are met). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-152/subpart-B/section-152.25
    • What it shows: EPA pesticide rule.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart C — Topical antifungal drug products (athlete’s foot and similar claims are drug claims). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-C
    • What it shows: FDA antifungal rule.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
    • What it shows: FDA on aromatherapy claims.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Leave-on levels stay low because of citral.

Citations:

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA category limits.
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal limits reference.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Scent and tradition are well documented; health benefits are not established for cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Citral sensitization. Strict leave-on limits.
  • Not for the face.
  • Pets. Harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Fragrance allergens. Citral, geraniol, and limonene must be declared on EU labels above set levels; FDA’s U.S. allergen-labeling rule is not yet final.
  • Oxidation. Old oils are more likely to cause allergy.

Citations:

• • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
    • What it shows: EU allergen labeling.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
    • What it shows: U.S. MoCRA status.
  • Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
    • What it shows: Allergy.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Never apply essential oils undiluted; ORY^® always dilutes them in a carrier or product base.
  • Keep away from the eyes, children, and pets; many essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Store tightly closed away from heat and light. Oxidized (old) oils are more likely to cause allergy.
  • If you have a known fragrance allergy, check the ingredient list before use.
  • Not for use on the face or on children under 2.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal safety reference.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
  • Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., Saidi, F., & Kebir, H. T. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9, 25431. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
  • Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (lemon grass). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(1), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.79796
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
  • Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x

Government and regulatory sources

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 40 CFR 152.25(f) — Minimum risk pesticides exempt from FIFRA registration (insect-repellent claims are pesticide claims; exemption only if all label and ingredient conditions are met). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-152/subpart-B/section-152.25
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart C — Topical antifungal drug products (athlete’s foot and similar claims are drug claims). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-C
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H