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Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil

Rating: Worst
Categories: Fragrance: Synthetic and Natural, Irritant, Plant Extracts

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil at a Glance

  • Essential oil derived from lemongrass (belonging to the genus Cymbopogon)
  • Contains volatile fragrance compounds such as citral, linalool and geraniol
  • Can cause visible skin reactions, as well as damage below the surface
  • Also goes by the common name East Indian lemongrass oil

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil Description

_Cymbopogon flexuosus_ oil (also known as East Indian lemongrass oil) is an essential oil whose fragrance/volatile compounds pose a risk of irritation to skin (especially when used in high concentration). This irritation can range from noticeable redness, itchiness, and breakout-like rashes to less visible effects like a weakened skin barrier and premature aging that occur cumulatively over time.

Among its roster of irritating compounds, _Cymbopogon flexuosus oil_ is composed of citral, linalool, geraniol, limonene and citronellol. These volatile compounds become pro-oxidant when exposed to air, further damaging skin.

On the flip side, _Cymbopogon flexuosus oil_ offers some beneficial antioxidant compounds. However, there is no reason to put skin through the risk to get them when many non-irritating skin care ingredients offer the same benefits without the negative effects.

Some people recommend _Cymbopogon flexuosus oil_ and other lemongrass oil varieties for blemish-prone skin. However, to avoid potential irritation, we advise against this. Scientifically proven acne fighters like salicylic acid (BHA) and benzoyl peroxide are more effective options. Further to the point, _Cymbopogon flexuosus oil_ lacks United States FDA approval for acne treatment.

Note: _Cymbopogon flexuosus_ is just one of over 100 lemongrass species. This particular variety belongs to the _Cymbopogon_ genus within the Poaceae family.
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Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil References

Personal Care Products Council, Accessed March 2024, ePublication
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, December 2022, pages 1-7
Contact Dermatitis, February 2021, pages 395-406
Journal of Applied and Natural Science, March 2020, pages 25-29
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, May 2017, pages 1-92