This is a summary of research papers and studies
from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

ABOUT LEMONGRASS OIL

Lemongrass oil, derived primarily from the perennial aromatic plant Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, has a century-long record of extensive therapeutic applications in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine across various cultures. Belonging to the Poaceae family, this plant is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, China, and Africa. Beyond its traditional use as a flavoring agent in beverages and baked goods, or as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes, lemongrass oil has emerged as a potent bioactive agent in modern dermatology and pharmacology. Research into its essential oil has revealed a complex chemical profile that supports its use as an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant treatment. 

Properties 

The quality and efficacy of lemongrass essential oil are largely defined by its chemical constituents, which can vary based on geographical origin, maturity, and extraction methods. Generally, the oil is obtained through hydrodistillation or steam distillation of the plant's fresh leaves and stalks, yielding a pale yellow liquid. 

The primary marker component of lemongrass oil is citral. Scientific analyses typically show that citral accounts for 65% to 80% of the total oil composition. The second major constituent is myrcene, often found in concentrations ranging from 15% to 19%. Other significant minor compounds include linalool, geraniol, citronellol, and 4,5-epoxycarene. These constituents work synergistically to provide the oil's distinct aroma and various pharmacological activities. 

Transdermal Permeation Enhancer

One of the most technically significant functions of lemongrass oil—specifically its citral component—is its role enhancing absorption in drug delivery systems, delivering medication across the epidermis to achieve either local or systemic effects while avoiding metabolism in the liver. 

Lemongrass oil acts by penetrating the skin to reversibly decrease barrier resistance, allowing larger or less permeable drug molecules to pass through more efficiently. Experimental data showed that a 1% citral solution significantly increasies the velocity of drug passage through membranes. 

Skin Benefits

Lemongrass oil offers a wide array of benefits for the skin, ranging from the treatment of parasitic infestations to the management of fungal infections and inflammatory conditions. 

Cleansing and Antimicrobial Functions

Lemongrass oil serves as a powerful cleansing agent primarily due to its antibacterial and detoxifying effects.

• Anti-Acne Properties: It demonstrates significant inhibitory action against Cutibacterium acne,s the primary bacterium responsible for acne. Studies show it can actively inhibit spore formation and reduce viable bacteria, making it a promising candidate for topical anti-acne treatments.
• Broad-Spectrum Activity: It is effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Purification: Its detoxifying properties help remove impurities and control oil secretion, which is essential for deep cleansing.

Toning and Astringent Benefits

As a natural astringent, lemongrass oil is a key component in facial toners designed to refine skin texture.

• Pore Tightening: Toners containing lemongrass help in tightening pores and removing residual impurities that regular cleansers might miss.
• Oil Control: It is particularly beneficial for oily skin types as it helps regulate sebum production.
• pH Maintenance: Formulations like polyherbal liquid toners utilizing lemongrass are designed to maintain the skin's ideal pH (typically between 4.5 and 6.0), which protects the skin's natural barrier.

Skin Barrier Improvement and Rejuvenation

Beyond simple cleansing and toning, components of lemongrass oil contribute to long-term skin health:

• Citronellic Acid: This acyclic monoterpene found in lemongrass oil acts as a PPAR-α activator. This activation promotes keratinocyte differentiation and the formation of the cornified envelope, which strengthens the epidermal barrier.
• Hydration: It stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), a critical moisturizing factor that improves skin hydration and elasticity.
• Anti-Aging: The oil is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids (like citral and limonene) that provide antioxidant benefits, neutralizing free radicals to prevent premature aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antifungal Efficacy in Skin Infections

The oil has demonstrated potent activity against various fungal pathogens, most notably yeasts of the genus Malassezia, which cause Pityriasis versicolor (a common pigmentation disorder). Clinical studies have shown that lemongrass oil can inhibit 100% of Malassezia strains at concentrations as low as 1.25 μL/mL

In a phase II clinical study, patients treated with a shampoo and cream containing lemongrass oil achieved a 60% cure rate after 40 days of application. 

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Protection

Lemongrass oil is rich in polyphenols and other compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments involving inflammation and has been shown to suppress a key part of the body's inflammatory response. These properties are particularly beneficial for soothing irritated skin and protecting skin cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. 

Safety

Toxicological evaluations indicate that lemongrass oil generally has low toxicity. A 10% ointment formulation of lemongrass oil was found to cause negligible irritation, with no evidence of edema (swelling) or erythema (redness).  While the oil is generally safe, it can cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of the population (approximately 1.8% in some patch tests). However, the threshold for citral to induce dermal sensitization in humans is approximately 1.4 mg/cm². 

Conclusion

Lemongrass oil is a versatile and effective natural product with significant potential in the field of dermatology. Its high citral content provides not only a refreshing aroma but also powerful antifungal, miticidal, and permeation-enhancing functions. Whether used as a primary treatment for scabies and fungal infections or as a secondary ingredient to improve the delivery of other medications, lemongrass oil represents a cost-effective and relatively safe therapeutic option. While current research confirms its safety and efficacy in low concentrations, its role in modern skincare continues to expand as more clinical data supports its traditional medicinal claims.