Can you put citronella essential oil on your skin?

The takeaway

Citronella oil is often used as an insect repellent, although research has indicated it may also have antifungal properties and help with wound healing. You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.

Then, can you put citronella oil directly on your skin?

As a rule, pure citronella oil should not be applied directly to the skin. To avoid irritation and other reactions, citronella oil should be mixed with a neutral carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil) in a 1:1 ratio. Wash with soap and warm water after use, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Also Know, how do you use citronella essential oil? Citronella essential oil uses

Apply topically before and during outdoor activities.
Use Citronella's bright scent to sweeten a custom fragrance or diffusion blend.
Apply topically to refresh and moisturize skin.
Use as an alternative to deodorant.

In respect to this, what is citronella essential oil good for?

Used in aromatherapy applications, Citronella Essential Oil slows or prevents the growth or spread of harmful airborne bacteria, repels flying insects, uplifts negative moods, and relaxes the body and mind. It is reputed to reduce muscles spasms, ease headaches, and boost energy.

Is citronella toxic?

Citronella is listed as non toxic.

27 Related Question Answers Found

Is citronella cancerous?

The potential of oil of citronella to cause cancer has not been studied. However, methyleugenol, a minor component of oil of citronella, is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has caused the development of tumors in mice.

Can I mix citronella oil with water?

To make a citronella oil spray: Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water. Optional step: Essential oils don't dissolve in water.

How effective is citronella oil against mosquitoes?

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. In a dose by dose comparison, citronella is initially as effective as DEET. However, citronella oil evaporates quickly, meaning that it is only effective for a short time. Also, high concentrations of citronella can cause skin irritation.

Is citronella poisonous to dogs?

Citronella is toxic to pets

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

Why do mosquitoes hate citronella?

Citronella is naturally occurring oil that repels insects. It is distilled from two types of grass, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. The article explains that products with a citronella base are only effective as a mosquito repellent for about two hours, because the oils rapidly evaporate.

How do you make citronella oil insect repellent?

Make sure the 4oz spray bottle is clean before using it to avoid any contamination. Fill the bottle with 2oz of water and then add 1oz of alcohol to it. Then slowly add 50 to 75 drops of pure citronella essential oil to the bottle.

Is citronella oil harmful to plants?

Citronella oil is also a plant-based insect repellent and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948. The United States Environmental Protection Agency considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action.

What is a natural mosquito repellent?

Lemon eucalyptus oil

Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.

What essential oil eliminates odors?

Essential Oils to Help Reduce Stale, Musty and Smoky Odors from Rooms

Bergamot.
Grapefruit.
Lemon.
Lemongrass.
Lime.
Mandarin.
Orange.
Tangerine.

Is citronella oil and lemongrass oil same?

The citronella oil-producing plants have reddish and purplish pseudostems, while the lemongrass oil-producing plants have green and white pseudostems. Interestingly, the oils produced by these plants are similar as well. However, there are claims that citronella oil is better at repelling insects than lemongrass oil.

How do you make insect repellent with essential oils?

Homemade Bug Spray Ingredients

30 drops geranium essential oil.
30 drops citronella essential oil.
20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
20 drops lavender essential oil.
10 drops rosemary essential oil.
1 TBSP vodka or rubbing alcohol.
½ cup natural witch hazel.
½ cup water (or vinegar)

What essential oil repels mosquitoes?

Essential Oils That Repel Insects

Mosquitoes: Citronella, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, and lavender;
Fleas: Cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, orange, and pine;
Ticks: Rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, and oregano.

Is citronella safe for dogs to smell?

Plants like citronella, eucalyptus and tansy are known for their pest-repelling properties, but they are also toxic to dogs and cats. You can still repel pests safely and naturally with pet-safe plants.

How do you burn citronella oil?

Instructions:

Combine the olive oil and nard grass leaves and stems in the slow cooker.
Cook the oil and nard grass mixture for four to eight hours.
Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth. The strained mixture is your citronella oil. Discard the nard grass.
Set the oil aside in a jar.

What insects does citronella repel?

Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.

How do you make citronella?

Combine the olive oil and nard grass leaves and stems in the slow cooker.
Cook the oil and nard grass mixture for four to eight hours.
Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth. The strained mixture is your citronella oil.
Tip. Gather your nard grass leaves and stems in the morning when oil is at its peak.

Is citronella safe to breathe?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.