Citronella Essential Oil: The Natural Insect Repellent with Surprising Wellness Benefits
Citronella is one of the most widely recognised essential oils in the world — and one of the most underestimated. Most people know it only as the scent of outdoor candles and mosquito repellents, but citronella essential oil has a much broader therapeutic profile than its reputation suggests. It is a genuinely useful oil for mood lifting, stress relief, antibacterial cleaning, and air purification — as well as being one of the most effective natural insect repellents available.
What is Citronella Essential Oil?
Citronella essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon nardus (Ceylon citronella) or Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella), tall grasses native to tropical Asia. Java citronella is generally considered superior — it has a higher citronellal content and a fresher, more complex scent.
Its primary active compounds are citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol — the same geraniol found in geranium and rose, which gives citronella a surprisingly floral quality beneath its characteristic fresh, grassy scent. These compounds are responsible for both its insect-repelling properties and its antibacterial and antifungal activity.
The Scent Profile
Citronella has a fresh, clean, citrusy-grassy scent with lemony, slightly floral undertones. It is brighter and more complex than lemon, with a distinctive green, outdoor quality. It is a top-to-middle note in blends, adding freshness and lift. Used sparingly indoors, it creates a clean, uplifting atmosphere; used outdoors, it is one of the most effective natural deterrents for flying insects.
Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil
Natural insect repellent
Citronella is one of the most well-researched natural insect repellents available. Multiple studies confirm its effectiveness against mosquitoes, midges, flies, and other biting insects — with a 2011 review finding that citronella-based repellents provided meaningful protection for up to 2 hours. It works by masking the carbon dioxide and lactic acid signals that attract insects to human skin. Apply diluted to exposed skin before outdoor activities, or diffuse outdoors to create a repellent zone. It is most effective when reapplied every 1–2 hours.
Mood lifting and stress relief
Citronella’s fresh, uplifting scent has genuine mood-lifting properties. Studies have shown that citronella inhalation reduces anxiety, promotes positive mood, and has a mild energising effect — making it a useful oil for low mood, mental fatigue, and the kind of flat, unmotivated feeling that benefits from a fresh, outdoor-inspired lift. Diffuse indoors for a mood boost, particularly in winter when outdoor time is limited.
Antibacterial and antifungal
Citronella has well-documented antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a useful addition to natural cleaning products and a helpful oil for minor skin infections and fungal conditions. Add to homemade cleaning sprays for a fresh-scented, genuinely antimicrobial cleaner.
Air purification
Citronella is one of the most effective essential oils for purifying indoor air — its antimicrobial properties help reduce airborne bacteria and mould spores, while its fresh scent neutralises odours. Diffuse in kitchens, bathrooms, and any space that benefits from air purification.
Pain relief
Citronella has mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for headaches, muscle pain, and joint discomfort when applied diluted topically. It is particularly effective for tension headaches when applied diluted to the temples.
Pet repellent
Citronella is widely used as a natural deterrent for cats and dogs — they dislike the scent and will avoid areas where it has been applied. Dilute in water and spray on furniture, garden areas, or other spaces you want to keep pet-free.
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil
Natural Insect Repellent (topical)
Dilute 5–6 drops in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut oil works particularly well). Apply to exposed skin — arms, legs, neck — before outdoor activities. Reapply every 1–2 hours for continued protection. For a spray repellent, add 20 drops to 100ml of water with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel in a spray bottle; shake before use.
Diffuser (indoor mood and air purification)
Add 4–6 drops to an ultrasonic diffuser. Citronella works well alone or blended with lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus. Ideal for mornings, cleaning days, and any time a fresh, uplifting atmosphere is needed.
Outdoor Diffusing (insect deterrent)
Use a candle diffuser or outdoor diffuser with 8–10 drops of citronella. Position near seating areas for a natural insect-free zone. Combine with eucalyptus and peppermint for enhanced repellent effect.
Natural Cleaning Spray
Add 15 drops citronella, 10 drops tea tree, and 5 drops lemon to a 500ml spray bottle with water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Effective for surfaces, floors, and bathrooms.
Headache Relief (topical)
Dilute 2–3 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply to the temples and back of the neck at the first sign of a tension headache.
Blending Guide
Citronella is a fresh, citrusy-grassy top note that adds brightness and outdoor freshness to blends.
Blends well with: lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, geranium, bergamot, rosemary, cedarwood, pine, orange
Outdoor Repellent (diffuser or topical)
- 4 drops Citronella
- 3 drops Eucalyptus
- 2 drops Lavender
Fresh Air (indoor diffuser)
- 3 drops Citronella
- 3 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Peppermint
Summer Mood (diffuser)
Clean & Fresh (cleaning spray base)
Safety Notes
- Always dilute before applying to skin
- May cause skin sensitisation in some individuals — patch test before use, especially for topical repellent applications
- Avoid use near young children’s faces
- Avoid use during pregnancy without professional guidance
- Keep out of reach of children and pets — toxic if ingested
For full dilution ratios and carrier oil guidance, see our Essential Oil Dilution Guide.
A Note on Quality
Look for citronella oil that states Cymbopogon nardus (Ceylon) or Cymbopogon winterianus (Java) as the botanical name — Java citronella is generally preferred for its higher quality and more complex scent. Our guide to choosing quality essential oils explains what to look for.