Cymbopogon flexuosus herb oil, commonly known as lemongrass oil, is an essential oil extracted from the leaves and stems of the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant. It is renowned for its fresh, citrusy aroma and is widely used in personal care products, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Key Components:
Citral (a mixture of neral and geranial): Contributes the primary lemon-like aroma and is the most abundant component.
Limonene: Adds a citrus scent and has potential antimicrobial properties.
Geraniol: Provides a floral, sweet note.
Linalool: Adds a subtle floral aroma and may have calming effects.
Other Terpenes: Includes β-caryophyllene, which can contribute to the oil’s complex fragrance.

Structure:
The oil consists mainly of monoterpenes. Citral, the primary compound, has the chemical formula C10H16O and is responsible for the distinctive citrus scent.

Physical Properties

Appearance: A clear to pale yellow liquid.
Odor: Fresh, lemony, and citrus-like.
Texture: Lightweight and non-greasy.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents and oils.

Production Process

Harvesting:
Source: The leaves and stems of Cymbopogon flexuosus are harvested.
Preparation: The plant material is cleaned and prepared for extraction.

Extraction:
Method: The oil is typically extracted using steam distillation.
Process: Steam is passed through the plant material, causing the essential oil to evaporate. The vapor is then condensed and collected.

Purification:
Filtration: The oil is filtered to remove any remaining plant particles.
Quality Control: Ensures that the oil meets purity and potency standards.

Applications

Cosmetics: Used in skin care products, lotions, and serums for its pleasant fragrance and potential astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Personal Care Products: Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants for its refreshing scent.
Aromatherapy: Applied in diffusers for its uplifting and mood-enhancing effects.
Household Products: Used in cleaning agents and air fresheners for its antimicrobial and deodorizing properties.

Safety

Cymbopogon flexuosus herb oil is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to citrus oils should exercise caution. A patch test is advisable before widespread application.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainability: It is important to source the oil from sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance: The oil should meet the regulatory standards for cosmetics and personal care products.
Quality Assurance: Regular testing ensures that the oil remains pure and effective.

INCI


Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 91844-92-7 EC number 295-161-9