Lemon Myrtle Oil

Lemon myrtle is an Australian native tree whose leaf oil is dominated by citral, the compound responsible for its strong lemon scent.

How it works

Research associates citral with antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, which is why the oil appears in cleansers aimed at congestion-prone skin. In cosmetic formulas it also serves as a natural fragrance.

Sensitivity

Citral is a recognised fragrance allergen and is declared separately on ingredient lists. At the low levels used in rinse-off products most skin tolerates it well, but skin with a known fragrance sensitivity should patch test, and leave-on use warrants more caution than rinse-off.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Evidence on essential oils in pregnancy is limited. At rinse-off cosmetic levels no specific concern is established, but the conventional advice is to check with your doctor.