Ingredient
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Lemongrass Oil
- Lemon Grass Oil
- West Indian Lemongrass Oil
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetic products. Essential oils contain concentrated plant compounds that can be absorbed through the skin, though topical absorption is generally lower than ingestion. While there is no definitive evidence of harm from topical use of lemongrass oil during pregnancy, many aromatherapists and healthcare providers recommend caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Some animal studies have suggested potential effects on fetal development at high doses, though these used oral administration at levels far exceeding cosmetic exposure. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests that pregnant women use essential oils cautiously and at lower concentrations. There is no absolute prohibition from ACOG or FDA regarding topical lemongrass oil use during pregnancy. However, given the limited human safety data and the theoretical concerns with essential oils, many obstetricians recommend that pregnant women avoid or minimize exposure to essential oils, particularly in concentrated forms. Occasional use in diluted cosmetic products is likely low risk, but consistent use or high concentrations may be best avoided as a precautionary measure.
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil used for fragrance. When applied topically in cosmetic concentrations, systemic absorption is generally minimal, though essential oils are lipophilic compounds that can penetrate skin to some degree. There is limited specific data on lemongrass oil transfer to breast milk from topical cosmetic use. Given the typical dilution in cosmetic products and the small amounts used, systemic exposure and milk transfer are expected to be negligible. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists do not routinely advise against topical essential oils during breastfeeding, though they may recommend avoiding direct application to breast areas. The AAD and major medical organizations have not issued specific warnings about topical lemongrass oil for breastfeeding mothers. As a general precaution, avoiding application to areas of direct infant contact (breast, chest) before breastfeeding is advisable, but use on other body areas poses minimal concern.
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Lemongrass oil can be used by postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, though its irritant and allergenic potential should be considered. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal fluctuations, increasing susceptibility to irritation from essential oils. Women with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies may wish to avoid lemongrass oil or perform a patch test before using products containing this ingredient. The primary concerns are local skin reactions rather than systemic effects for this population.
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
There is no evidence that topical use of lemongrass oil in cosmetic products affects fertility or reproductive function. While some essential oils have been theorized to have hormonal effects, lemongrass oil has not been identified as a concern for women trying to conceive when used topically at cosmetic concentrations. Women who are actively trying to conceive may choose to be cautious with essential oils as a general precautionary principle, but there is no specific medical recommendation to avoid lemongrass oil during the preconception period. Topical use in diluted cosmetic forms poses minimal concern for fertility.
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Lemongrass oil is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and has no known hormonal activity or effects on androgen levels. It does not interfere with insulin sensitivity or other metabolic aspects of PCOS. While lemongrass oil has been studied for various properties in traditional medicine, there is no evidence that topical use in cosmetics affects PCOS symptoms or hormone balance. Women with PCOS can use products containing this ingredient without hormonal concerns. The main consideration for women with PCOS is skin sensitivity. Those with reactive or acne-prone skin may find that essential oils cause irritation, though this is not specific to PCOS. The ingredient itself has no mechanism of hormone disruption relevant to this condition.
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon citratus used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. Its main component is citral, which gives it a characteristic lemon-like scent but also contributes to its allergenic potential. According to the SCCS and IFRA, lemongrass oil is a known contact allergen that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, particularly when oxidized or used at high concentrations. The citral content makes it one of the more sensitizing essential oils used in cosmetics. It may also cause phototoxic reactions when skin is exposed to sunlight after application. Individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or known fragrance allergies should exercise caution with products containing this ingredient. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires lemongrass oil to be declared as a fragrance allergen on product labels when present above threshold concentrations. IFRA has established maximum use levels in various product categories to minimize sensitization risk. While generally safe for the majority of users when properly formulated, those with reactive skin may prefer to avoid this ingredient.
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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