Organic Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – The Citrus Eucalyptus
Benefits at a Glance
- Fresh & lemony: Not your typical eucalyptus – this one smells like fresh lemons with a subtle herbal undertone. Bright, clean and uplifting.
- The raw material behind citriodiol: Its main compound, citronellal, is the raw material for citriodiol (PMD) – the active ingredient found in many commercial mosquito sprays.
- Soothing & calming: Despite its freshness, lemon eucalyptus has notably calming properties – clearing the mind while easing tension.
- Organic quality: 100% pure and natural, steam-distilled from leaves. From controlled organic farming. From Brazil.
Application & Special Features
Application:
In a diffuser for a fresh, lemony atmosphere. Diluted in carrier oil for soothing massages.
Targeted uses:
In a diffuser (3-5 drops) for a bright, refreshing atmosphere. For a fresh, lemony room spray, mix 15-20 drops with 100 ml of water and a tablespoon of alcohol in a spray bottle. For a soothing massage, dilute 3-4 drops in 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g. Organic MCT Oil). Also wonderful for refreshing the air in any room, any season. You can find all the guideline values in our essential oil dosage guide.
Perfect Blending Partners
Lemon Eucalyptus is a fresh top-to-middle note with a bright, lemony character:
The Surprising Eucalyptus
Forget the classic medicinal eucalyptus scent – this species smells like a lemon grove. Same botanical family, completely different character. Nature's refreshing surprise.
Not your regular eucalyptus: Eucalyptus citriodora is fundamentally different from Eucalyptus globulus (the classic eucalyptus). While globulus is rich in 1,8-cineole (camphor-like, medicinal), citriodora contains virtually none. Instead, it is dominated by citronellal – giving it a fresh, lemony character rather than a medicinal one. Think lemon, not menthol.
Lemon eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus or citronella – the differences at a glance:
| Lemon eucalyptus | Eucalyptus (globulus) | Citronella | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | Tree (Corymbia citriodora) | Tree (Eucalyptus globulus) | Grass (Cymbopogon) |
| Main compound | Citronellal (65-80%) | 1,8-Cineole | Citronellal (5-15%), geraniol |
| Scent | lemony-fresh, soft | camphor-like, clean and medicinal | lemony-grassy, bold |
| In our shop | this oil | Organic Eucalyptus | Organic Citronella |
Product Information
- Plant: Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. / Corymbia citriodora)
- Part used: Leaves
- Extraction: Steam distillation
- Quality: 100% pure and natural essential oil (Organic)
- Origin: Brazil
- Main components: Citronellal (65-80%), Citronellol (5-15%), Isopulegol (3-8%), neo-Isopulegol
- Packaging: Amber glass bottle with dropper – airtight and light-protected
The Scent Profile
- Main aroma: Fresh, lemony and bright – a clean, uplifting citrus scent with surprising clarity and purity.
- Secondary note: Slightly herbal and green, with a subtle eucalyptus undertone that reminds you of the plant's botanical family.
- Nuance: A soft, rosy undertone (from citronellol) that adds warmth and smoothness to the lemony top notes.
Intensity: Medium – fresh, bright and pleasantly present. Lemon eucalyptus fills a room with clean, citrusy freshness without overwhelming – natural and inviting.
The Professor's Knowledge: The Scent Note
Lemon eucalyptus oil is dominated by Citronellal (65-80%), a monoterpene aldehyde with a pronounced lemony scent. Citronellal is structurally related to citral (the molecule in lemon peel) but with a softer, more rounded character. Citronellal is also the raw material from which citriodiol (PMD) is derived – an active ingredient used in many commercial mosquito sprays. Citronellol (5-15%), a monoterpene alcohol, adds a rosy-floral dimension and contributes to the oil's skin-soothing properties. Isopulegol is a unique component – a hydroxylated monoterpene with a fresh, minty-menthol character that adds subtle cooling. The botanical classification of this tree is itself interesting: it was reclassified from Eucalyptus to Corymbia in 1995, based on DNA evidence showing it belongs to a different lineage. The trade name "Eucalyptus citriodora" persists for practical reasons. The "citriodora" means "lemon-scented" – an apt description for an oil that bridges the citrus and eucalyptus worlds.
The Plant
Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus, officially Corymbia citriodora) is a tall evergreen tree from the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family. Native to northeastern Australia, it has been widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions – Brazil is now one of the principal producers of the essential oil. The tree can reach 25-40 metres in height with a striking smooth, powdery white bark and narrow, lemon-scented leaves. Unlike the blue-grey leaves of E. globulus, the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus are bright green and release their fresh, citrusy fragrance when crushed. In Brazil, large sustainable plantations produce high-quality oil with consistently high citronellal content, thanks to the tropical climate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this the same as regular eucalyptus oil?
No. Regular eucalyptus oil (E. globulus) has a medicinal, camphor-like scent and is used for respiratory support. Lemon eucalyptus (E. citriodora) smells lemony and fresh, with no camphorous character. They have completely different chemical profiles and different uses.
Why is lemon eucalyptus found in many mosquito sprays?
Its main compound, citronellal, is the raw material for citriodiol (PMD) – an active ingredient used by industry in many commercial mosquito sprays. Our oil, however, is a pure essential oil for fragrance and aromatherapy – not a tested insect repellent.
Can I use it in the diffuser?
Lemon eucalyptus is wonderful in a diffuser – it creates a fresh, clean, lemony atmosphere. Use 3-5 drops. Particularly enjoyable on warm summer evenings.
Is it suitable for children?
In the diffuser, lemon eucalyptus is generally well tolerated in low doses for children over 6 years. For younger children, consult a professional first. For skin application, always dilute and perform a patch test.
What is the difference between lemon eucalyptus and citronella?
Both smell lemony, but they come from completely different plants: lemon eucalyptus is a tree (Corymbia citriodora), while citronella is a grass (Cymbopogon). Lemon eucalyptus contains far more citronellal (65-80% vs. 5-15%) and smells purely lemony and soft, while citronella is grassier and more complex.
How should I store the oil?
Keep away from direct light and heat sources. The amber glass bottle protects the oil from UV radiation. Close tightly after use. Lemon eucalyptus oil retains its quality for several years when stored correctly.
Choose Your Size
Organic Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
10 ml Bottle
7,00 €
Perfect for trying it out or for the summer season.
Recommended
30 ml Bottle
17,56 €
The best choice for the whole summer. You save!
Important Safety Information
- Use only diluted. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years (steam inhalation).
- During pregnancy, consult your doctor before use.
- May cause skin sensitisation – always perform a patch test.
- For external use only.
