66.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 4 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · antimicrobial agent · insect repellent · flavoring agent
Lemongrass Oil
Also known as: Cymbopogon citratus oil, Lemongrass essential oil
Category
essential oil
Bottom Line: Lemongrass oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though it may cause irritation in some individuals when used undiluted.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in diluted form
- applied to intact skin
- used in food at recommended levels
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are allergic to citrus oils
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to lemongrass
- you are using it on broken skin
- you are taking certain medications that may interact
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial cleansers, soaps, aromatherapy oils. Dilute before applying to skin to avoid irritation.
Food
Herbal teas, flavoring agents, cooking oils. Generally safe in food when used in moderation.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicinal teas, aromatherapy blends. Consult a healthcare professional for medicinal use.
Supplement
Capsules, essential oil blends, herbal extracts. Use under guidance of a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Lemongrass oil is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of lemongrass oil can be safe in small amounts, but excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of lemongrass oil is typically safe, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risks.
- breastfeeding — Typically safe with caution; consult if unsure.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited studies on safety during pregnancy; use with caution. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to essential oils; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on effects during lactation; use cautiously. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
4 Endpoints
Lemongrass oil is recognized for its potential health benefits, though it may cause skin irritation in some cases.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | low sensitization potential | Human clinical study | Low concern for sensitization | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | mild irritation | Rabbit - Dermal application | Mild irritant | EFSA Opinion (2017) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Lemongrass oil is recognized for its potential health benefits, though it may cause skin irritation in some cases.
- Contains antimicrobial properties.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Lemongrass Oil
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Lemongrass oil is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the safety of lemongrass oil
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Lemongrass oil is safe for use in food at specified levels.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Lemongrass Oil Regulatory Status
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe for use in food and cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Lemongrass oil is generally permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAGENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED FOR USE IN COSMETICS AND FOOD
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED UNDER UK REGULATIONS
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED FOR USE IN COSMETICS AND FOOD
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemongrass oil is generally safe for skin when diluted, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Lemongrass oil is typically safe for ingestion in food, but should be used in moderation and under guidance.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-29T07:15:14.470760Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.