Citronella

Botanical

What is it

Citronella refers to fragrant grasses of the Cymbopogon genus (particularly C. nardus and C. winterianus) and the essential oil extracted from them. Citronellol is a related fragrance alcohol found in these and other plants.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Mosquito repellent (topical)

Limited Evidence

Citronella products provide short-term repellent effects, generally less durable than DEET or picaridin. Useful for short outdoor activities but less suitable for prolonged high-exposure settings.

How it works

Citronella oil is rich in citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which give the plant its lemony scent and contribute to its mosquito-repellent activity when applied to skin or used in candles. Topical repellent effects are short-lived (typically less than 2 hours) compared to DEET or picaridin. Internal use of citronella oil is not recommended; it is intended for topical or aromatic use only.

Dosage

There is no established internal dose. Topical insect repellents are typically formulated at 5-20% citronella oil. Single-use products vary by manufacturer.

When and how to take it

Topical repellent products are applied 15-30 minutes before insect exposure and reapplied every 1-2 hours for continued protection.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Citronella essential oil (topical)

Used in repellent sprays, candles, and lotions.

For topical or aromatic use only.

Safety

Topical citronella products are generally well tolerated, but skin sensitization and contact dermatitis can occur. Internal use of essential oils can cause GI symptoms and is not recommended without specialist supervision. Some preparations have been associated with allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Who should be cautious

Avoid internal use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children. Topical use on children under 3 years and on broken skin should be avoided. Patch-test before broad application.

Interactions

No well-characterized drug interactions in normal topical use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink citronella tea?⌄

Closely related lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely used in cooking and teas. Citronella oil itself is not intended for internal use.

Is citronella as effective as DEET?⌄

No. DEET and picaridin provide longer-lasting repellent protection. Citronella is reasonable for short-duration use but reapplied more frequently.

References

Citronella on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Citronella on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Citronella (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Citronella with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store

Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.