Citronella Oil Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Citronella Oil Market Size and Growth

The global citronella oil market size was valued at USD 130.12 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 222.69 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.52% from 2024 to 2033. Citronella oil has many beneficial properties including physiological inhalation effects, weight loss, wound healing, antifungal properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and insect-repellent properties which lead to demand for citronella oil in the industries and contribute to the growth of the market.

Citronella Oil Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated the global market with the major market share of 35% in 2023.
• North America is observed to witness a significant rate of growth in the upcoming period.
• By product type, the java citronella oil segment has held the largest market share of 57% in 2023.
• By product type, the Ceylon citronella oil segment is the fastest growing during the forecast period.
• By grade type, the food grade segment dominated the market with the biggest market share of 49% in 2023.
• By grade type, the aromatherapy segment is observed to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period.
• By application type, the perfume segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

Citronella Oil Market Size in the Asia Pacific 2024 to 2033

The Asia Pacific citronella oil market size was estimated at USD 45.54 million in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 79.05 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.66% from 2024 to 2033.

North America is observed to witness a significant rate of growth citronella oil market during the forecast period. According to the U.S., pesticides made from citronella oil are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is based on scientific studies. Increasing diseases like malaria and other diseases are spread due to mosquitoes in the U.S., and there is a need for insect repellent or mosquito repellent to prevent them. The phase-out of citronella oil-based personal insect or mosquito repellent was proposed by the Canada PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency). These factors help the growth of the market in the North American region.

• In June 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitoes are prevented by insect repellents.

Asia Pacific held the dominating share of the market in 2023. In India, citronella grass is native and found growing in most tropical countries, including Malesia. In India, recently, citronella oil was imported. Nowadays, Java-type citronella grass is cultivated in many parts of India, particularly in Assam. The Java citronella oil produced in India is large as compared to the Java citronella oil imported. In China, citronella oil is also imported. These factors help the growth of the citronella oil market in the Asia Pacific region.

• In August 2023, according to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), java citronella oil is a highly important essential oil that is used in the perfumery industry.
• In March 2024, China imported citronella oil, and the data was reported at 175.725 US$, and this record increased by 19.051 US$, which is the previous number in February 2024.

Citronella Oil Market Size in North America 2023 to 2033

The North America citronella oil market size was calculated at USD 39.04 million in 2023 and is projected to expand around USD 67.92 million by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.69% from 2024 to 2033.

Citronella Oil Market Overview

Citronella oil is an essential oil that is obtained from the leaves and stems of the different species of Cymbopogon (Lemongrass). It has a lemon-like aroma and is commonly used as an insect repellent, particularly against mosquitoes and other flying insects. The Citronella oil market deals with industries for different applications, including cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceutical, food, and perfume.

The advantages of citronella oil include flavor additives in food and perfumes, fighting fatigue or lifting mood, improving wound healing, and treating parasitic infections. Citronella oil is used as an antifungal agent and an insect repellent. In aromatherapy, citronella oil is used to reduce anxiety and stress. It gives a calming effect on the body and mind. It is also used in massage oils and diffusers. It is used as a natural cleaning agent, which is effective for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces. These factors are helpful for the growth of the market.

Citronella Oil Market Growth Factors

• Citronella oil is used as an insect repellent, which can repel flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, and it makes choice for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
• In aromatherapy, citronella oil is used to reduce anxiety and stress, has a calm effect on the body and mind, and may be used in massage oils and diffusers.
• Citronella oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in the treatment of conditions like muscle pain, and arthritis, and in the treatment of fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
• Citronella oil may be used as a natural room freshener and cleaning agent. Its lemony and fresh scent helps to mask the unpleasant odor, and its antibacterial properties help for effective disinfecting and cleaning surfaces. These factors help the growth of the citronella oil market.

Citronella Oil Market Scope

Citronella Oil Market Dynamics

Driver: Increasing use in the production of natural insect-repellent products

Citronella oil is used in industries that produce natural insect-repellent products. Citronella oil is highly used as an insect repellent that can repel flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, which makes it the choice for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Citronella oil’s lemon scent is used as an insect repellent in the form of soaps, lotions, sprays, oil burners or citronella torches, and candles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have registered citronella oil as an insect repellent. These factors of increased use in the production of natural insect-repellent products help the growth of the citronella oil market.

Restraint: Side effects of citronella oil

Citronella oil may cause allergy or skin irritation, and the area becomes swollen, itchy, blotchy, or red. It may cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Citronella oil may cause diarrhea, nausea, tightness in the chest, red rash, swollen throat, coughing or wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. Citronella oil can irritate the eye or skin and can cause skin reactions in some people. When it is inhaled, it may cause lung damage and irritation to mucous membranes and may be unsafe.

Ingestion of a large amount of citronella oil may be toxic, and it should be avoided without professional guidance due to its side effects. Without the supervision of a healthcare professional or an expert, citronella oil must not be taken internally. Patients who suffer from cancer are recommended not to use citronella oil. These factors may restrict the growth of the citronella oil market.

Opportunity: Research and development activities

Citronella oil is used as an excellent insect repellent, but its rapid volatility and mild irritancy may limit it in some applications. To overcome these problems research and development are necessary to develop a stable, consistent, and non-irritating citronella oil-based cream and increased residence time on the skin by using a manufacturing approach. This development helps the citronella oil-based products manufacturing industries. These development factors can help the growth of the citronella oil market.

Product Type Insights

The java citronella oil segment dominated the market in 2023. Java citronella oil has a higher ranking than the other plant species because java citronella is rich in citrus. Java citronella oil is highly used in deodorants, perfumes to improve their odor, mosquito repellent creams, incense sticks, and soaps. This oil is also used to extract aroma chemicals geraniol, citronellal, and citronellol. Java citronella oil contains higher citronellal and geraniol content and is believed to be a higher-quality oil.

Java citronella oil has a lemony, strong, and fresh aroma with a slightly woody flavor or undertone. Java citronella oil is used in the treatment of sore throat because it is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. This oil is also effective against rheumatic pains and tendinitis. 1-2 drops of java citronella oil are enough to perfume for cooking a dish for 5-6 persons. These factors help the growth of the Java citronella segment and contribute to the growth of the citronella oil market.

The Ceylon citronella oil segment is the fastest growing during the forecast period. The Ceylon citronella oil is used as a natural insect repellent with helpful applications for pets, home, garden, and skin. This oil is used as a natural insect repellent due to its helpful properties, which include insecticide, mood uplifter, warming, deodorant, bactericidal, and antiseptic. It has antiseptic qualities that help to fight the flu and cold. Ceylon citronella oil is used in cubes of votive candles, scented envelop candles, refresher oil, fragrance oil, room spray, potpourri, scented soaps, and candle making. Ceylon citronella oil is highly used in the fragrance industry, including environmentally friendly candles, Roman candles, unity candle arrangements, natural wax candles, feng shui candles, yummy fragrances, fragrance oils, and spa luxuries. These properties help the growth of the Ceylon citronella oil segment and contribute to the growth of the citronella oil market.

Grade Type Insights

The food-grade segment dominated the market in 2023. Citronella oil is highly used in the food grade. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. According to the Food and Drug Administration, citronella oil is recognized as a safe food additive.  In some fish recipes, citronella leaves are used for flavor and infusions. Citronella oil may be used as a culinary herb. It may be used in desserts and teas. Scented geraniums may also used as flavors in dishes like salad and meat, and also to flavor ice creams, jellies, butters, and cakes. These citronella oils are used in food due to their properties, which include relieving gas, spasms, menstrual cramps, coughing, and abdominal pain. It soothes inflammation that occurs in the digestive system. Citronella oil is used in cooking due to its beneficial properties. These properties help the growth of the food-grade segment and contribute to the growth of the citronella oil market.

The aromatherapy segment is the fastest-growing during the forecast period. Citronella oil is highly used in aromatherapy applications. Citronella oil prevents or slows the spread or growth of harmful or toxic airborne bacteria, relaxes the body and mind, uplifts negative moods, and repels flying insects. This oil is helpful to boost energy and reduce headaches and muscle spasms. It is helpful for stress relieving, improving skincare, calming and relaxing the mind, helping with weight loss, good for the scalp and hair, helping to reduce pain, and protecting against parasites and bacteria. Citronella oil has antianxiety and antidepressant properties. Drops of citronella oil are added to the vaporizer or diffuser, and the aroma is breathed in to practice the aromatherapy. These factors help the growth of the aromatherapy segment and contribute to the growth of the citronella oil market.

Application Type Insights

The perfume segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Citronella oil is an essential oil that is obtained from lemongrass and is used highly as a source of perfumery chemicals like geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal. Citronella oil is obtained from the citronella plants, which is used to make fragrances that are refreshing and long-lasting. Citronella oil is used in perfumes due to its benefits, including a lemony and light scent that is refreshing and soothing. Citronella oil is also used in scents due to its insect-repellent properties. The use of these perfumes makes an interesting aesthetic choice. Some of the popular perfumes contain citronella oil. There are two types of citronella perfumes available on the market: synthetic and natural. The therapeutic benefits include a long-lasting and strong scent, which helps the segment grow. These factors help the growth of the perfume segment and contribute to the growth of the citronella oil market.

Citronella Oil Market Recent Developments

• In April 2022, the first outdoor candle collection was launched by Yankee Candle. Citronella oil and essential oils are used in these candles due to their environmental-relaxing properties.
• In July 2023, the non-alcoholic hand sanitizer gel from citronella essential oil was developed by the PKM D3 pharmacy.
• In February 2024, an initiative to protect lives from diseases that are due to mosquitoes, Bior Guard Mos Block Lotion, ran on sale in Singapore and expanded by Kao. This lotion is made from citronella oil and can be used anytime, anywhere. It protects from mosquitoes that have mosquito-repellent properties.

Citronella Oil Market Companies

• Agro Products and Agencies
• Allied Oil LLC
• Aromatic and Allied Chemicals
• Augustus Oils Ltd
• Bhagat Aromatics Limited
• Bhoomi Natural Products and Exports Pvt Ltd.
• Bontoux S.A.S
• Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd
• Greenf Fields Africa
• India Essential Oils
• Lamberti Spa
• Lakshmi Life Sciences
• Merk KGaA
• Mountain Rose Inc.
• Mokh Lifestyle Products
• Reho Natural Ingredients
• Sydney Essential Oil CO.
• Symrise AG
• Van Aroma
• Vigon International

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

• JAVA Citronella Oil
• Ceylon Citronella Oil

By Grade Type

• Food Grade
• Aromatherapy
• Others

By Application Type

• Perfume
• Food
• Pharmaceutical
• Detergent
• Cosmetic
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa