Free shipping on all orders.
Denver Tallow Co.

What is Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, a perennial grass native to India and Sri Lanka that provides natural insect repellent and anti-inflammatory benefits for skin. This citrusy essential oil is rich in citral (70-80%), which gives it both its characteristic fresh scent and its protective properties against bugs and skin irritation.

Quick Benefits:

  • Bug Protection: Natural deterrent against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects
  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps manage skin irritation and reduces redness [1]
  • Antimicrobial: Protects against harmful bacteria and fungi on skin [2]
  • Barrier Support: Reduces water loss and maintains skin hydration [3]
  • Antioxidant: Protects skin from environmental damage and aging [4]
  • Gentle Astringent: Helps balance oily skin without over-drying

What Are the Main Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Protection

  • Natural Bug Deterrent: High citral content creates a scent barrier that insects avoid
  • Antimicrobial Defense: Inhibits growth of S. aureus and C. albicans at low concentrations [2]
  • Environmental Protection: Antioxidant properties shield skin from pollution and UV stress

Repair

  • Anti-inflammatory Action: Reduces inflammatory markers VCAM-1, IP-10, and I-TAC in skin cells [1]
  • Barrier Enhancement: Improves skin's natural protective function and reduces water loss [3]
  • Tissue Support: May help with minor cuts and skin irritations through antimicrobial action

Hydration

  • Moisture Retention: Clinical studies show 15-20% reduction in transepidermal water loss [3]
  • Skin Conditioning: Helps maintain skin's natural oil balance without clogging pores

How Does Lemongrass Essential Oil Work?

Lemongrass essential oil works through its primary active compound citral, which makes up 70-80% of the oil. Citral disrupts insect sensory receptors, making treated areas unappealing to mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. On skin, citral inhibits inflammatory pathways by reducing COX and LOX enzyme activity, which helps manage redness and irritation.

H3: Molecular Mechanisms

The oil's volatile compounds penetrate the skin's outer layer through intercellular pathways. Geranial and neral (the two forms of citral) work together to provide antimicrobial effects by disrupting microbial cell membranes while supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

H3: Absorption and Bioavailability

With a molecular weight ideal for skin penetration, lemongrass oil components reach the viable epidermis where they can exert anti-inflammatory and protective effects. The oil enhances skin barrier function by improving lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.

What Does the Science Say About Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Research demonstrates that lemongrass essential oil provides measurable benefits for skin health and protection. In human dermal fibroblast studies, lemongrass oil significantly reduced inflammatory markers including VCAM-1, IP-10, I-TAC, and MIG, while modulating tissue repair pathways [1].

Clinical trials show impressive barrier function improvements. A 14-day study using 1% lemongrass gel resulted in 15-20% reduction in transepidermal water loss and 25% reduction in skin redness following irritant challenge [3]. Antimicrobial testing confirms broad-spectrum activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans at concentrations as low as 0.5% [2].

Antioxidant capacity testing shows lemongrass oil has DPPH radical scavenging activity comparable to synthetic antioxidant BHT, with an IC50 of approximately 10 µg/mL [4]. This suggests significant protective potential against environmental skin damage.

Why Does DTCO Use Lemongrass Essential Oil in Skincare?

DTCO selected lemongrass essential oil for Bug Balm because it provides dual protection - deterring insects naturally while supporting skin health. Unlike synthetic bug repellents that can irritate or dry skin, lemongrass oil actually helps maintain skin barrier function and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

We chose Cymbopogon flexuosus specifically because this East Indian variety has the highest citral content (70-80%) compared to other lemongrass species, making it most effective for both insect deterrence and skin benefits. The oil's natural compatibility with tallow and carrier oils allows for stable, effective formulations that won't separate or lose potency.

Where Does DTCO Source Lemongrass Essential Oil?

DTCO sources steam-distilled lemongrass essential oil from certified organic farms practicing sustainable cultivation methods. Our suppliers use traditional steam distillation of fresh leaves, yielding the highest quality oil with maximum citral content and therapeutic benefits.

Quality verification includes GC-MS testing to confirm citral content meets our 70%+ standard and ensure absence of synthetic adulterants. We require supplier documentation of sustainable farming practices and fair trade partnerships with growers.

Which DTCO Products Contain Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Bug Balm - Our natural insect deterrent balm combines lemongrass with citronella, cedarwood, and geranium oils for comprehensive outdoor protection. Lemongrass provides the primary citral content that insects find most offensive, while its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin that's already been bitten.

How Do You Use Lemongrass Essential Oil at Home?

For bug protection, apply a thin layer of Bug Balm to exposed skin areas 15-30 minutes before outdoor activities. The oil's volatile compounds need time to create an effective scent barrier. Reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming/sweating for continued protection.

For general skin benefits, use sparingly - lemongrass oil is potent and should always be diluted. Patch test first on a small skin area, especially if you have sensitive skin. The oil can cause irritation at concentrations above 0.7%, so proper dilution in carrier oils like those in our balms is essential.

Storage tip: Keep products containing lemongrass oil in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight to maintain the oil's potency and prevent oxidation of the citral compounds.

Common Questions About Lemongrass Essential Oil for Skin Care

No, lemongrass essential oil does not clog pores. Its astringent properties actually help balance oily skin, and its molecular structure allows it to penetrate skin without blocking pores. When properly diluted in carrier oils like those in DTCO balms, it supports healthy skin function.

Lemongrass oil can be used on sensitive skin when properly diluted to 0.7% or less. However, it contains citral which may cause reactions in very sensitive individuals. Always patch test first, and start with minimal amounts. DTCO's Bug Balm is formulated within safe concentration limits.

The insect deterrent effect typically lasts 2-3 hours, depending on activity level, sweating, and environmental conditions. For best protection, reapply Bug Balm every 2-3 hours during outdoor activities.

Topical use of properly diluted lemongrass oil (like in DTCO balms) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before using any essential oil products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

While both are from the Cymbopogon family, lemongrass (C. flexuosus) has higher citral content (70-80%) giving it a sweeter, more lemony scent and stronger anti-inflammatory properties. Citronella (C. winterianus) has more geraniol and citronellol, providing different insect deterrent characteristics. DTCO combines both in Bug Balm for comprehensive protection.

References & Citations

  1. Zaccara S, et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. PMC5801909.
  2. Nazzaro F, et al. (2020). Essential oils and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon flexuosus against biofilm formation. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
  3. Cosmetics & Design. (2023). Essential oil provides protective effect to skin barrier function. Clinical trial data.
  4. Anand SP, et al. (2016). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil. Journal of Applied and Natural Science.
  5. PMC8773226. (2022). Chemical composition and biological activities of Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil. National Center for Biotechnology Information.