Ingredient decoder

Lemongrass oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming

Lemongrass oil in plain English

Lemongrass oil is an essential oil from lemongrass leaves with a strong lemon scent, made mostly of citral. Citral is a known fragrance allergen and can irritate sensitive skin. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is lemongrass oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Lemongrass oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
  • Lemongrass essential oil
  • Cymbopogon citratus oil
  • Cymbopogon flexuosus oil
  • Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil
  • Cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) oil

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is lemongrass oil comedogenic?

Lemongrass oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does lemongrass oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and perfuming.

What else is lemongrass oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, lemongrass oil can also appear as Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Lemongrass essential oil, Cymbopogon citratus oil, Cymbopogon flexuosus oil or Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil.

Sources