Cymbopogon flexuosus oil, commonly known as lemongrass oil, is derived from the leaves and stems of the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant. This essential oil is valued for its fresh, citrus-like aroma and is widely used in the fragrance, cosmetic, and personal care industries.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Main Components:
Citral: The primary compound contributing to the oil's lemon-like fragrance. It consists of two isomers: neral and geranial.
Limonene: Provides a citrusy aroma and contributes to the oil's fresh scent.
Geraniol: Adds a floral note, enhancing the oil’s overall fragrance profile.
Other Components: May include trace amounts of linalool, β-caryophyllene, and various monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.
Structure:
The essential oil is a complex mixture of volatile terpenoids. Citral, with its molecular formula C10H16O, is a major component, existing in both neral and geranial forms.
Physical Properties
Appearance: A clear or pale yellow liquid.
Odor: Fresh, citrusy, and lemon-like.
Consistency: Light and fluid, with low viscosity.
Solubility: Soluble in most organic solvents but insoluble in water.
Production Process
Harvesting:
Source: The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon flexuosus.
Preparation: Plant material is cleaned and prepared for extraction.
Extraction:
Method: Typically obtained through steam distillation. In this process, steam is passed through the plant material, and the essential oil is collected from the steam that has condensed.
Purification: The distilled oil may be further purified to remove impurities and enhance quality.
Refinement:
Process: Additional filtration or concentration steps may be employed to achieve the desired quality and concentration of the essential oil.
Applications
Fragrance Industry: Used in perfumes, colognes, and scented products for its refreshing, citrus aroma.
Skin Care: Incorporated into lotions, creams, and serums for its potential astringent and antimicrobial properties, and to provide a fresh scent.
Hair Care: Added to shampoos and conditioners for its pleasant fragrance and possible benefits for the scalp.
Aromatherapy: Utilized in essential oil blends and diffusers for its invigorating and uplifting scent.
Safety
Cymbopogon flexuosus oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It is important to avoid excessive use and to be cautious if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies to essential oils.
Cosmetic safety
Restricted cosmetic ingredient as III/354 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. The presence of the substance or substances shall be indicated as ‘Lemongrass Oil’ in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when the concentration of the substance or substances exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Sustainability: Sustainable cultivation practices are important to minimize environmental impact and ensure a stable supply of raw materials.
Regulatory Compliance: The oil should adhere to cosmetic and personal care regulations to ensure safety and efficacy in final products.
Quality Control: Regular quality checks are necessary to maintain the purity and effectiveness of the essential oil.
INCI
Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
Synonyms:
CAS: 91844-92-7 EC number 295-161-9
