Lemongrass oil, East Indian (CAS 8007-02-01) — Citrus Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Lemongrass oil, East Indian
CAS 8007-02-01
What Is Lemongrass oil, East Indian?
East Indian lemongrass oil is a vibrant essential oil distilled from the Cymbopogon flexuosus grass. You’ll recognize its zesty, herbal aroma in candles, soaps, and natural insect repellents. This oil matters because it bridges the gap between citrus freshness and herbal depth, offering a unique brightness that synthetic citrals can’t fully replicate.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Lemongrass oil, East Indian Smell Like?
A razor-sharp burst of lemony intensity with green, grassy undertones that evolve into a warm, slightly sweet herbal heart. The opening is like freshly crushed lemongrass stalks—piercingly citrus with a raw vegetal edge. As it settles, the aroma develops a peppery warmth reminiscent of ginger, with a dry hay-like quality in the base that prevents it from becoming cloying. Unlike lemon oil, it maintains its linear character for hours, gradually softening into a clean, herbal whisper.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Lemongrass provides the electrifying citrus-herbal spark in this cologne, cutting through the lavender and mint with its distinctive brightness. Used here at about 5% for its naturalistic quality and tenacity compared to synthetic citrals.
Jean-Claude Ellena employs East Indian lemongrass (2-3%) to create the illusion of sun-bleached riverbanks, blending it with grapefruit and green mango for a deconstructed citrus effect that avoids typical lemon clichés.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
East Indian lemongrass oil primarily consists of citral (65-85%), a mixture of the isomeric aldehydes geranial (E-citral) and neral (Z-citral). These monoterpene aldehydes are responsible for the intense lemon character. The oil also contains minor amounts of myrcene, limonene, and geraniol. Unlike the West Indian variety (Cymbopogon citratus), East Indian lemongrass has higher citral content and a sharper profile. The citral isomers are typically extracted via steam distillation, with the ratio varying based on growing conditions and harvest time.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 224-228 °C (citral) |
| Density | 0.895-0.908 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.483-1.489 |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, oils; insoluble in water |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citral | 5392-40-5 | 152.24 | 224-228 | 2.9 | 0.027 mmHg |
| Myrcene | 123-35-3 | 136.23 | 166-168 | 3.4 | 2.1 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds natural citrus lift |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | For freshness in soaps/detergents |
| Aromatherapy | 1-3% | 0.5-5% | Diluted in carrier oils |
Classic Accords
Tip: Stabilize with antioxidants like tocopherol to prevent citral oxidation which can create harsh off-notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Higher in citral (75-90%) with brighter top notes but lacks the grassy depth of lemongrass. Use when needing more piercing citrus character.
Pure citral mixture without the supporting terpenes. More consistent but lacks complexity. Ideal for cost-sensitive applications where naturalness isn’t critical.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions when used as a complete essential oil. Pure citral is restricted to 0.5% in leave-on products (IFRA 49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains citral (geranial + neral) which must be declared above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products (EU Regulation No. 1223/2009).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers lemongrass oil safe at current use levels, with citral content being the primary safety consideration. Full assessment published in 2016.
Sustainability
East Indian lemongrass is primarily cultivated in India, Nepal, and Guatemala. As a fast-growing perennial grass, it’s relatively sustainable—yielding 50-100kg oil per hectare annually. Most production is rain-fed, though synthetic citral (produced from turpentine or petrochemicals) offers a consistent alternative without agricultural impacts. Organic certification is available but represents <10% of global supply.
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References
- Tisserand & Young (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier. ISBN 9780443062414
- PubChem – Citral CID 638011
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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