Citrus

Citronella

Note Profile

Botanical 2 perfumes

About

Citronella is a steam-distilled oil from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon grasses, mainly Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. They grow in tropical regions such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. The oil smells sharp and lemony, grassy and slightly woody, with a brisk, medicinal freshness. It is used as a top note in colognes and fougeres.

Scent Profile

Citronella has a sharp, lemony aroma with grassy and slightly woody undertones. Its scent is fresh, brisk, and somewhat medicinal, with a persistent green facet that can become more pronounced over time. The note is often described as invigorating and clean, with a subtle earthiness.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeTop · ~2h lasting

Family Fresh & Citrus, Floral

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Citronella oil, Ceylon type

A natural extract

CAS 8000-29-1

Cymbopogon nardus. Ceylon rather than Java type - the two differ in citronellal content, and the note does not say which.

How the layers join

Origin

Citronella oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon species, primarily Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. These grasses are cultivated in tropical regions such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. The oil is a common byproduct of the plant's use in traditional medicine and as an insect repellent.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use citronella mainly in the top notes of compositions to impart a fresh, citrus-herbal lift. It blends well with other citrus oils, aromatic herbs, and woody notes, and is often found in colognes, fougères, and outdoor-inspired fragrances. Citronella can also be used to add brightness and a naturalistic green nuance to functional fragrances.