Citronella Essential Oil
Citrus Aroma
Essential oil with a citrus aroma, very popular in candles and outdoor products.
TECHNICAL DATA
INCI name Cymbopogon nardus oil.
Botanical name Cymbopogon nardus (Rendle).
Appearance Citronella essential oil is generally light yellow-amber to dark amber, of low viscosity and with a pronounced aldehydic, citrus aroma.
APPLICATIONS
CandlesSoapsLotionsNatural deodorantIn aromatherapy it has uplifting properties
SOLUBILIDADES
Benzyl benzoate: soluble in all proportions · Diethyl phthalate: soluble in all proportions · Fixed oils: soluble in various fixed oils · Glycerin: insoluble · Mineral oil: soluble with turbidity · Propylene glycol: soluble with turbidity
DESCRIPTION
Citronella essential oil is a volatile oil obtained by steam distillation of the grass Cymbopogon nardus (Rendle). The oil is widely used as a raw material for scenting products. It is also highly valued in household products such as floor cleaners, laundry soap, scented candles and others.
Benefits and properties
Practical formulation guide
Usage level: Guideline usage level: 0.1–1 % in facial and leave-on products; 0.5–2 % in body and rinse-off products; 1–3 % in soaps; always within the IFRA limit for the essential oil and the product category.
How to use and incorporate: Add at the end of the process, with the base below 40 °C/104 °F, so volatile notes are not lost. In water-based products (toners, gels, shampoo, body mist) first premix with a solubilizer —polysorbate 20, Oleth-20 or PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil— at a 1:3 to 1:5 ratio and then add to the water.
Formulation tips:
- Declare on the label the fragrance allergens naturally present in the essential oil when required by the regulations of the destination market.
- For aromatic blends, combine top notes (citrus), middle notes (floral, herbal) and base notes (woods, resins) and let the blend mature for 24–48 hours.
- Before scaling up, make a pilot batch and run a stability test (cycles at 4 / 25 / 45 °C/39 / 77 / 113 °F for 4 weeks, checking odor, color, pH, viscosity and separation) in the final packaging.
Compatibility: Soluble in vegetable oils, esters and alcohol; insoluble in water. May change the viscosity of gels and shampoos and attack some plastics (polystyrene): prefer amber glass, PET or lined aluminum.
Storage: Stability Alkali: moderately stable to weak alkalis at normal temperatures. Unstable in the presence of concentrated alkalis and at high temperature. Acid: unstable in the presence of mineral acids. Moderately stable in the presence of weak acids. Light: affected by direct light. Preferably store in galvanized containers, tightly closed and full, in a cool place protected from light.
Precautions: Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Flammable: keep away from flames and heat sources. See the Safety Data Sheet.
Technical information for formulators: This sheet describes industrial uses of the raw material in the development of cosmetic products. It is not an efficacy claim for any finished product. The person responsible for the formulation must validate the concentration, compatibility and claims of their product in accordance with applicable regulations.
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