Segment Analysis of Citronella Essential Oil Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 28, 2025

The global Citronella Essential Oil market was valued at US$ 162.5 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 245.8 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

The USA market for Global Citronella Essential Oil market is estimated to increase from USD 45.2 million in 2022 to reach USD 68.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

The China market for Global Citronella Essential Oil market is estimated to increase from USD 28.7 million in 2022 to reach USD 51.4 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

The Europe market for Global Citronella Essential Oil market is estimated to increase from USD 38.9 million in 2022 to reach USD 59.2 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period of 2023 through 2030.

Citronella Essential Oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass). Citronella Oil can be classified as two types, such as Java and Ceylon. It can be widely used in many fields, including insect repellents, aromatherapy, cosmetics, food flavoring, and household products. Known for its fresh, citrusy scent and natural insect-repelling properties, citronella oil has become a staple in natural and organic product formulations worldwide.

The market for citronella essential oil, driven by rising consumer preference for natural ingredients, is experiencing steady growth. Demand is propelled by the expanding personal care and cosmetics sectors, increasing awareness of natural pest control methods, and the food and beverage industry’s shift toward clean-label products. Furthermore, sustainability trends and organic farming practices are supporting higher production volumes in key regions like Asia-Pacific.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The citronella essential oil market can be divided into two key product categories based on variant:

1. Ceylon Citronella Oil

Ceylon citronella oil, derived from Cymbopogon nardus, is prized for its higher citral content, which contributes to its stronger lemony aroma and enhanced therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in premium aromatherapy products and high-end cosmetics due to its purity and efficacy in skin care formulations.

  • Market Insight: Ceylon oil holds a significant share in the market, particularly in Europe and North America, where consumers demand organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Its superior quality makes it the preferred choice for pharmaceutical applications, though it commands a premium price compared to Java variants.

  • Trend: With the rise of clean beauty movements, Ceylon citronella is seeing increased adoption in natural skincare lines. Producers in Sri Lanka, the primary source, are focusing on certification programs to meet global organic standards, boosting export volumes to developed markets.

2. Java Citronella Oil

Java citronella oil, extracted from Cymbopogon winterianus, is known for its higher citronellal content, making it more effective as an insect repellent. This variant is widely utilized in household sprays, candles, and low-cost personal care items due to its robust scent and affordability.

  • Market Insight: Java oil dominates volume sales globally, especially in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, where cost-effectiveness is key. It accounts for the majority of production in Indonesia and India, supporting large-scale applications in agriculture and consumer goods.

  • Trend: As demand for eco-friendly insect repellents grows in tropical regions, Java citronella is benefiting from expanded cultivation. However, sustainability concerns like soil depletion are prompting investments in better farming practices to ensure long-term supply.

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Segmentation by Application

Applications highlight the versatility of citronella essential oil. Industries leverage its aromatic, antimicrobial, and repellent qualities to address diverse needs, from personal wellness to industrial uses.

1. Food & Beverage

The food and beverage sector uses citronella oil as a natural flavoring agent in teas, baked goods, and beverages, valued for its citrus notes and preservative properties. It aligns with the trend toward natural additives in clean-label products.

  • Insight: This application is growing steadily in health-conscious markets, where consumers seek alternatives to synthetic flavors. Citronella’s antifungal attributes also help extend shelf life in organic foods.

  • Trend: In Asia-Pacific, integration into traditional beverages and snacks is rising, supported by regulatory approvals for natural essential oils. The segment benefits from e-commerce expansion, enabling niche flavored products to reach global audiences.

2. Daily Chemical Products

Daily chemical products, including soaps, shampoos, lotions, and insect repellents, incorporate citronella for its refreshing scent and skin-soothing effects. It is a key ingredient in natural personal care lines, especially for bug sprays and deodorants.

  • Insight: This is the largest application segment, driven by the surge in demand for paraben-free cosmetics. Citronella’s role in DEET-free repellents is particularly prominent in outdoor and travel products.

  • Trend: With bans on chemical pesticides in several countries, natural repellents using citronella are proliferating. Brands are innovating with blends for longer-lasting efficacy, targeting the booming wellness market.

3. Others

Other applications encompass aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, where citronella serves as a base for diffusers, anti-inflammatory treatments, and natural pesticides in organic farming.

  • Insight: Though smaller, this segment shows high growth potential in holistic health and sustainable agriculture. Its use in veterinary products for pet repellents is also emerging.

  • Trend: The rise of essential oil therapy post-pandemic is accelerating adoption in wellness spas and home care. In farming, citronella-based biopesticides are gaining traction as eco-alternatives to chemicals.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care Manufacturers

Cosmetics and personal care manufacturers are the largest end-user group for citronella essential oil, integrating it into skincare, haircare, and fragrance products for its natural appeal and multifunctional benefits.

  • Insight: Demand stems from the shift to organic formulations, with major brands reformulating to include citronella for its anti-bacterial and aromatic properties.

  • Trend: Europe and North America lead, but Asia-Pacific is catching up with local brands emphasizing natural ingredients. E-commerce has amplified reach for indie beauty lines using citronella.

2. Food & Beverage Companies

Food and beverage companies utilize citronella for flavor enhancement and preservation, catering to the natural foods market where transparency in ingredients is paramount.

  • Insight: Regulatory support for natural flavors is fueling growth, particularly in functional beverages and snacks marketed as health boosters.

  • Trend: Innovation in low-sugar, herb-infused products is incorporating citronella, with certifications like GRAS status encouraging wider use in global supply chains.

3. Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Providers

Pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors employ citronella in topical ointments, supplements, and therapeutic blends for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

  • Insight: While niche, clinical studies validating its efficacy in pain relief and skin conditions are expanding applications beyond traditional uses.

  • Trend: The wellness boom is driving R&D into standardized extracts, with partnerships between essential oil suppliers and pharma firms on the rise.

4. Household Products Manufacturers

Household products manufacturers incorporate citronella into cleaners, air fresheners, and repellents, capitalizing on its deodorizing and pest-deterring qualities.

  • Insight: Consumer preference for non-toxic home care is boosting this segment, especially in urban areas prone to insect issues.

  • Trend: Sustainable packaging and plant-based formulations are key trends, with citronella candles and diffusers gaining popularity in eco-conscious households.

5. Agricultural & Pest Control Companies

Agricultural and pest control companies use citronella in biopesticides and crop protection, promoting it as a safe alternative to synthetic chemicals.

  • Insight: Growth is tied to organic farming expansion, where citronella helps control pests without residues, appealing to export-oriented producers.

  • Trend: Government subsidies for green agriculture in Asia and Latin America are encouraging scaled-up production and application trials.

The Citronella Essential Oil market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, Java variants lead in volume, but Ceylon is gaining in value-driven premium segments. By application, daily chemical products dominate, with food & beverage showing consistent growth. By end-user, cosmetics manufacturers spearhead demand, while agricultural applications offer untapped potential in sustainability-focused regions.

Read Full Report Here:
Citronella Essential Oil Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Download FREE Sample Report:
Citronella Essential Oil Market – View in Detailed Research Report