The Uses and Benefits of Citrus Oils

Citrus essential oils are beloved for their fresh, uplifting aromas and versatile benefits that support both body and mind. From boosting mood and mental clarity to refreshing your home and skincare routine, these oils harness the natural energy of fruits like Lemon, Grapefruit, and Mandarin to invigorate and soothe. Their zesty scents are also naturally antibacterial and can help to purify surfaces and the air, making them ideal for natural cleaning and wellness rituals. As a bonus, many citrus oils are known to help deter insects—adding an extra layer of practical magic to their cheerful fragrance. 

Whether you’re seeking to brighten your living space, enhance your wellbeing, or create calming self-care rituals, citrus oils offer a burst of sunshine in every drop. Explore the unique properties and practical uses of our favourite citrus oils below, along with simple DIY tips to incorporate them into your daily life.

Just a quick note: some citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best to avoid sun exposure on areas where you’ve applied them for at least 12–24 hours.

Citronella

Aroma: Top note, sharp, lemony, grassy
With a bold lemony aroma, Citronella essential oil refreshes and clarifies while naturally deterring insects. Steam distilled from citronella grass leaves, it’s perfect for uplifting the mind and purifying the air, especially in summer.
DIY Tip: Diffuse 3 drops Citronella, 3 drops Geranium, and 2 drops Pine for a vibrant room scent.
Insect Repellent: Diffuse 2 drops each of Citronella, Cedarwood, and Eucalyptus Citriodora to keep bugs away. 

Grapefruit

Aroma: Top note, sweet, tangy, clean citrus
Bright and zesty, Grapefruit oil energises the mind and body, promotes emotional clarity, and supports skin toning. Cold-pressed from fresh grapefruit peel, it’s popular in skincare and detox routines.
DIY Tip: Mix 3 drops Grapefruit and 3 drops Juniperberry in 15ml Coconut oil; massage upward on cellulite-prone areas.
Room Fragrance: Blends well with Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, and Lavender for an uplifting space. 

Melissa 3% Dilution

Aroma: Top–middle note – lemony, herbaceous, soft, slightly sweet
Melissa (Lemon Balm) oil is cherished for its calming, mood-lifting properties. Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant, it offers a gentle yet uplifting scent that helps ease tension and promote emotional balance. Due to its very low yield, Melissa oil is highly precious—this 3% dilution makes it more accessible while preserving its benefits.Blended in nourishing jojoba oil, this dilution is safe to apply directly to the skin, making it ideal for quick topical use without the need for further mixing.
DIY Tip: Add 5 drops of Melissa 3% dilution to 10ml of bath dispersing oil for a soothing, restorative soak.
Fragrance: Dab onto pulse points for a calming, subtly citrusy scent that uplifts the senses throughout the day. 

Lemongrass

Aroma: Top-middle note, fresh, green-lemony, slightly earthy
Distilled from lemongrass leaves, this oil refreshes, grounds, and deters insects naturally.
DIY Tip: Soak tired feet in warm water with 1 drop each of Lemongrass, Lavender, and Geranium, as well as a bath dispersant or body wash base.
Insect Repellent: Diffuse Lemongrass with Cedarwood during summer evenings. 

Lemon Myrtle 

Aroma: Top note, sweet, sherbet-lemon, powerfully fresh
Steam distilled from Backhousia citriodora leaves, Lemon Myrtle uplifts and calms, perfect for mental clarity and refreshing baths.
DIY Tip: Mix 2 drops Lemon Myrtle, 2 drops Grapefruit, and 3 drops Cedarwood Atlas into 200g Epsom salts for a cleansing soak.
Room Fragrance: Diffuse for a bright, sweet lemon aroma. 

Lemon

Aroma: Top note, crisp, tangy, energising
Cold-pressed from lemon peel, Lemon oil is clarifying and uplifting, ideal for diffusers, cleaning, and body care.
DIY Tip: Add 3 drops Lemon and 2 drops Tea Tree to a teaspoon of Sweet Almond Oil for a foot massage.
Bath Blend: Mix 2 drops Lemon, 2 drops Ylang Ylang, and 1 drop Sandalwood with a carrier oil and bath dispersant for a warming bath. 

Bergamot

Aroma: Top note, sweet, fruity citrus with light floral and spicy undertones
Cold-pressed from bergamot fruit peel, this oil uplifts mood, balances emotions, and cleanses spaces.
Room Fragrance: Diffuse alone or blend with Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender, or Clary Sage. 

Bergamot FCF

Aroma: Top note, sweet, fruity citrus, delicate floral and spicy notes
FCF (Furanocoumarin-Free) Bergamot is re-distilled to remove bergaptene, eliminating photosensitivity risks and making it safer for skincare.
DIY Tip: Blend 2 drops of Bergamot FCF and 2 drops of Ylang Ylang in 10ml Jojoba oil for facial oil.
Room Fragrance: Diffuse with Sweet Orange and Cypress for emotional balance. 

Lime

Aroma: Top note, bright, fresh, bitter-sweet citrus
Steam distilled from lime peel, Lime oil is stimulating, refreshing, and supports digestion when used in gentle abdominal massage.
DIY Tip: Soak feet in warm water with 1 drop each Lime, Lemon, and Geranium.
Room Spray: Mix 1 drop each Lime, Lavender, and Neroli in water for a natural spray (avoid polished surfaces). 

Mandarin

Aroma: Top note, sweet, gentle, tangy citrus
Cold-pressed from mandarin peel, this gentle oil uplifts and calms, ideal for sensitive skin and emotional support.
DIY Tip: Add 3 drops Mandarin, 3 drops Geranium, and 2 drops Patchouli to Peach Kernel oil and a bath dispersant or body wash base for a relaxing bath.
Pregnancy Massage: Dilute 1 drop Mandarin in Peach Kernel oil for bump massage (just check with your midwife before use). 

Sweet Orange

Aroma: Top note, warm, fresh, sweet citrus
Expressed from Spanish orange peel, Sweet Orange oil uplifts mood and calms the mind.
DIY Tip: Blend 3 drops Sweet Orange, 2 drops Frankincense, and 1 drop Clove in diffuser water for a festive vibe.
Bath Blend: Mix 2 drops Sweet Orange, 3 drops Lavender, and 2 drops Benzoin in carrier oil for relaxation. 

Tangerine

Aroma: Top note, sweet, light, tangy citrus
Cold-pressed from tangerine peel, this light oil soothes tension, clarifies skin, and calms emotions.
DIY Tip: Add 4 drops of Tangerine to 1 tsp Jojoba oil, alongside a bath dispersant or body wash base for a calming bath soak.
Room Fragrance: Diffuse for a fresh, soothing atmosphere. 

June 2025 Special Offer

Enjoy 25% OFF all citrus essential oils throughout June 2025! Use code SUMMER25 at checkout to refresh your collection with these uplifting, natural aromas.