- *MSRP:
$21.99- Our Price:
- $16.50
- Buy: at $16.50
- UPC: 733739075369
- # N7536
NOW Foods Citronella Oil (4 fl. oz. / 118 mL) – 100% Pure Cymbopogon winterianus
NOW® Citronella Essential Oil (Item code: N7536) delivers concentrated, unadulterated botanical power steam-distilled directly from fresh and dried Java-type citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus). Renowned for decades as nature's premier outdoor defense and home-purifying botanical, citronella emits a crisp, pungent, musky citrus-like aroma that instantly refreshes ambient air and creates a natural barrier against intrusive insects.
Unlike commercial patio sprays and synthetic fragrance oils that rely on petroleum distillates, artificial perfumes, and harsh chemicals, NOW Foods Citronella Oil contains zero fillers, zero synthetic additives, and zero carrier oil diluents. Every drop represents pure, active plant terpenes extracted under low-temperature steam distillation to preserve the volatile constituents responsible for its clarifying and protective properties.
Core Product Highlights:
- Botanical Origin: Superior Java-type Cymbopogon winterianus, providing higher concentrations of geraniol and citronellal than Ceylon varieties.
- 100% Pure & Undiluted: Non-GMO Project Verified, steam-distilled, vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in amber glass to safeguard aromatic potency.
- Versatile Functional Use: Essential for natural patio diffusers, DIY bug repellent body oils, homemade surface sprays, and deodorizing shoe or linen mists.
Scientific Mechanism of Action: How Citronella Repels Insects & Purifies Environments
Citronella's biological effectiveness is driven by its concentrated profile of natural monoterpenes and aldehydes, primarily citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. These volatile biomolecules interact with targeted sensory and physiological pathways in insects and environmental microbes through three validated mechanisms:
1. Olfactory Receptor Masking (Host Concealment)
Female mosquitoes (including Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species) navigate toward human hosts by detecting plumes of carbon dioxide (CO2), lactic acid, and skin volatile emissions such as 1-octen-3-ol via specialized olfactory receptor neurons on their antennae and maxillary palps. Citronella's vapor cloud saturates and overpowers these delicate sensilla. By blocking the insect's chemosensory receptors, citronella effectively masks the host's chemical scent trail, rendering humans virtually invisible to foraging pests (U.S. EPA, 1997).
2. Direct TRPA1 Cation Channel Activation (Sensory Deterrence)
Modern molecular research reveals that citronella does not simply hide human scent; it actively triggers a noxious avoidance reflex. Peer-reviewed investigations demonstrate that citronellal directly stimulates the TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1) ion channel expressed in insect gustatory and olfactory sensory neurons (Kwon et al., 2010; Du et al., 2015). In insect vectors such as Anopheles gambiae, TRPA1 activation acts as a biochemical alarm, producing rapid nociceptive sensory irritation that suppresses feeding behavior and forces immediate physical retreat from the aromatic zone.
3. Microbial Membrane Disruption (Environmental Clarification)
Beyond arthropod deterrence, citronella terpenes exhibit significant fungistatic and antibacterial properties. The lipophilic structure of geraniol and citronellol enables them to penetrate and permeabilize fungal cell membranes (such as Microsporum canis and Candida strains), disrupting intracellular osmotic stability and inhibiting microbial proliferation in ambient living spaces (Castro et al., 2015).
Scientific Citations:
• Kwon, Y., Kim, S. H., Ragan, C. I., & Montell, C. (2010). The Drosophila TRPA1 channel is required to avoid the naturally occurring insect repellent citronellal. Current Biology, 20(18), 1672–1678. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2010.08.016.
• Du, E. J., Ahn, T. J., Choi, M. S., Kwon, I., & Kim, H. W. (2015). The Mosquito Repellent Citronellal Directly Potentiates Drosophila TRPA1, Facilitating Feeding Suppression. Molecular Cells, 38(10), 911–917. doi:10.14348/molcells.2015.0213.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1997). R.E.D. Facts: Oil of Citronella. Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, EPA-738-F-97-002.
• Castro, R. D., et al. (2015). Antifungal activity of Cymbopogon nardus/winterianus against Microsporum canis. Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, 57(6), 509–511.
Product Specifications & Complete Ingredient Verification
We verify every batch of NOW Foods Essential Oils against strict manufacturer specifications to ensure complete botanical purity and consumer safety.
| Parameter | Specification Standard |
|---|---|
| Full Ingredient Declaration | 100% Pure Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus). |
| Botanical Species | Cymbopogon winterianus (Java Citronella Grass). |
| Plant Parts Used | Fresh and dried citronella grass aerial blades. |
| Extraction Method | 100% Steam Distilled (100% solvent-free, hexane-free). |
| Package Size & SKU | 4 fl. oz. (118 mL) • SKU: 7536 • UPC: 733739075369 • Item: N7536. |
| Physical Appearance | Clear, light yellow to amber-tinted liquid. |
| Aromatic Profile | Pungent, musky, citrus-like, clarifying, and freshening. |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.466 – 1.475 |
| Specific Gravity (20°C) | 0.878 – 0.895 |
| Complementary Blending Oils | Cedarwood, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Eucalyptus. |
Purity & Quality Assurances
- ✓ Non-GMO Project Verified: Strictly produced without genetically modified source plants.
- ✓ Cruelty-Free & Leaping Bunny Certified: Never subjected to animal testing.
- ✓ Vegan & Vegetarian Formulated: Completely free of animal-derived components or processing aids.
- ✓ Free of Artificial Contaminants: Formulated without synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, phthalates, mineral oil, or parabens.
NOW Foods Quality Control: Strict Lab Testing & Contaminant Screening
The dietary supplement and essential oil markets are flooded with adulterated, synthetic, and artificially diluted products. Low-cost citronella oils are frequently stretched with petroleum solvents or substituted with synthetic citronellal. NOW Foods sets the gold standard in analytical transparency, maintaining state-of-the-art, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited in-house laboratories that conduct over 31,000 analytical tests every month.
Multi-Tier Analytical Validation Protocol
- Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Separates and quantifies individual volatile constituent peaks to create a distinctive chemical "fingerprint." GC-MS analysis confirms botanical identity (Cymbopogon winterianus) and confirms the oil is free from synthetic aromas, plasticizers (such as DEP/phthalates), or inferior botanical blends.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Detects and quantifies heavy metals down to parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, guaranteeing that every lot complies with strict maximum limits for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
- Digital Refractometry & Polarimetry: Evaluates the refractive index (1.466–1.475) and degree of optical rotation, ensuring the physical and stereochemical properties match pure, unadulterated botanical oil.
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Verifies molecular vibrational signatures against reference databases to confirm chemical bond integrity.
- Comprehensive Contaminant Screening: Incoming lots undergo high-sensitivity GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS testing for residual pesticides, chemical solvents, and microbiological contamination (such as total aerobic plate counts, yeast, mold, and pathogens).
EPA Minimum Risk Exemption & Lot Transparency
Citronella oil is recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under FIFRA Section 25(b) as a Minimum Risk Active Ingredient (40 CFR 152.25(f)), reflecting a proven safety record and low mammalian toxicity profile when used according to standard directions. Furthermore, NOW Foods provides full lot transparency: consumers can enter the lot number printed on their 4 oz bottle directly into the NOW Certificate of Analysis lookup portal (cofa.nowfoods.com) to inspect genuine laboratory release records.
Practical Usage Guidelines, Safe Dilution & Precautions
Pure essential oils are 50 to 100 times more concentrated than the botanical raw materials from which they are derived. Respecting proper dilution ratios ensures superior performance while safeguarding against dermal irritation.
Dermal Dilution Reference Chart (Tisserand & Young Safety Standard)
| Target Application | Dilution % | Drops per 1 oz (30 mL) Carrier Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday / Sensitive Skin Application | 1.0% | 6 drops |
| Standard Outdoor Body Oil (Adults) | 2.0% | 12 drops |
| Maximum Dermal Upper Limit | 2.5% | 15 drops |
Carrier Oil Recommendation: Dilute with cold-pressed jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or extra virgin olive oil before applying to exposed arms and legs.
Practical Step-by-Step Applications
- Patio & Room Diffusion: Add 3 to 5 drops of NOW Citronella Oil per 100 mL of water into an ultrasonic diffuser. Position the diffuser upwind on your deck or patio table to establish an active aromatic vapor shield.
- DIY Outdoor Plant-Based Spray: Combine 25 drops of Citronella Oil, 10 drops of Lemongrass Oil, and 10 drops of Cedarwood Oil with 1 fluid ounce of witch hazel or high-proof grain alcohol (to disperse the oils). Add 3 fluid ounces of distilled water, pour into a fine mist spray bottle, and shake thoroughly before each application to clothes and perimeter surfaces.
- Odor Clarification: Add 2 to 3 drops onto cotton rounds and place inside gym bags, closets, or garbage disposal bins to neutralize stale, musty odors.
Important Safety & Precautions
- External Aromatherapy & Topical Use Only: Never ingest citronella oil. Swallowing concentrated essential oils can trigger gastrointestinal distress and internal mucosal irritation.
- Do Not Apply Undiluted: Applying undiluted ("neat") citronella directly to skin can cause contact dermatitis, redness, or allergic sensitization. Always execute a 24-hour patch test on the inner forearm prior to full application.
- Pet Safety Warning: Citronella oil is toxic to domestic pets if ingested or absorbed dermally. Felines and canines possess limited liver glucuronidation enzyme pathways necessary to metabolize volatile monoterpenes. Diffuse exclusively in well-ventilated rooms away from pet feeding areas and bedding.
- Ocular & Mucous Membrane Avoidance: Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and sensitive mucous membranes. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush immediately with a pure carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil), not water.
- Pregnancy & Medical Conditions: Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or managing medical conditions should consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to use.