Lemongrass essential oil (LO) is steam-distilled from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, offering a bright, refreshing, citrus-herbaceous aroma. It is widely used in aromatherapy for its uplifting scent and in topical applications for its cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this oil is a highly concentrated botanical extract, and its chemical composition makes it extremely potent. For safe topical use, lemongrass oil must always be diluted before it touches the skin.
The Importance of Dilution
Essential oils are complex, highly concentrated chemical compounds extracted directly from the plant. Lemongrass oil contains a significant percentage of the chemical constituents citral and geraniol, which are known to be strong skin irritants in their pure form. Applying the undiluted oil directly to the skin can cause immediate adverse reactions like burning, redness, and itching, known as dermal irritation.
Repeated, undiluted exposure also carries a high risk of sensitization, which is an allergic response that can develop over time and become permanent. Dilution buffers the concentration of these potent compounds, reducing them to a level below their dermal toxicity limit. This allows the skin to tolerate the beneficial properties without harm.
Selecting the Right Carrier
Dilution requires a carrier medium, and for essential oils, this must be a fatty, lipid-based substance like a vegetable oil or unscented cream. Essential oils are not water-soluble, meaning they will not mix or dissolve properly in water-based liquids. Trying to dilute lemongrass oil in water or a water-based product will result in the oil droplets sitting on the surface, which still allows concentrated oil to contact the skin.
Carrier oils such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil are ideal because they are easily absorbed and have a neutral scent. The carrier oil serves as a buffer, slowing down the rate at which the concentrated lemongrass oil penetrates the skin. This ensures the active compounds are dispersed evenly across a larger area, mitigating the risk of a localized reaction.
Essential Dilution Ratios for Topical Use
The appropriate dilution level is expressed as a percentage of the essential oil within the total blend, and it changes based on the application area and the user’s skin sensitivity. For general adult use, such as a full-body massage blend, a 1% to 2% dilution is considered the standard safe range. A 1% dilution is achieved by adding 6 drops of lemongrass oil to one fluid ounce (30 milliliters) of carrier oil, while a 2% dilution uses 12 drops per fluid ounce.
For applications on sensitive areas, like the face or neck, or for individuals with very delicate skin, a lower concentration of 0.5% is recommended. This conservative blend is created by mixing 3 drops of lemongrass oil into one fluid ounce of your chosen carrier. For small-batch blending, a 1% dilution can be approximated by adding 1 drop of lemongrass oil to one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of carrier oil.
Higher concentrations, such as a 3% to 5% blend, should be reserved only for acute, localized spot treatments for a short duration, like a muscle rub. A 5% dilution requires approximately 30 drops of essential oil per one fluid ounce of carrier. Because the dermal maximum for lemongrass oil is often cited at or below 0.7% due to its high citral content, it is best to stay within the 0.5% to 2% range for regular use.
Safe Application and Storage Practices
Before using any new lemongrass oil blend widely, a patch test is a necessary safety procedure to check for a delayed reaction. Apply a small amount of the diluted mixture to a discreet patch of skin, such as the inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to observe for any signs of irritation, such as redness, burning, or itching.
Lemongrass oil is not classified as a phototoxic oil, meaning it does not typically increase the risk of severe sunburn. However, any skin irritation can be worsened by immediate sun exposure, so avoid direct UV light on the application area immediately after use. Internal consumption of lemongrass oil should not be attempted unless it is under the direct guidance of a certified clinical professional.
Once a diluted blend is created, proper storage is necessary to maintain its efficacy and shelf life. The final mixture should be stored in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light degradation. The bottle must be kept tightly sealed and placed in a cool, stable temperature environment, away from direct heat or sunlight, to prevent the carrier oil from turning rancid and to preserve the aromatic compounds.