Lemongrass absolute
Lemongrass absolute distills the bright, green soul of a tropical grass into a potent aromatic concentrate. Rich in citral, it delivers an intense lemony freshness that enlivens fragrance compositions.
Character
How it smells
Citrus brightness distilled from tropical grass.
Lemongrass has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for over two thousand years.
Pairs beautifully with
Origin
India
Lemongrass has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for at least two thousand years, with documented use appearing in 17th-century texts from the Philippines. The plant's journey across continents began in 1799, when it was introduced to Jamaica through colonial trade routes. By 1917, lemongrass had spread to Haiti and the United States, establishing itself in new tropical growing regions.
In 1905, a Sri Lankan researcher documented the plant's commercial potential, helping to establish it as a significant aromatic crop. Before this documentation, the means of introduction to Jamaica remains unknown, though trade connections between Asia and the Caribbean existed for centuries. The plant's spread reflects broader patterns of botanical exchange during the colonial era, when traders and settlers carried useful plants between continents.
Today, lemongrass remains integral to perfumery while continuing its traditional uses in culinary and medicinal applications across cultures.
Wears it best
Fragrances featuring Lemongrass absolute
Good to know
Questions, answered
The essentials on Lemongrass absolute in perfumery: how it smells, where it comes from, and how it behaves on skin.
What does lemongrass absolute smell like?
Lemongrass absolute smells intensely lemony with green herbaceous undertones and a slightly earthy base. Citral dominance gives it a sharp, fresh citrus character that reads as true lemon in fragrance blends.
Is lemongrass absolute a natural ingredient?
Yes, lemongrass absolute is a natural aromatic extract. It is obtained through solvent extraction of Cymbopogon species, primarily Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus.
What fragrance families use lemongrass absolute?
Lemongrass absolute appears primarily in citrus, fougère, and fresh green fragrance families. It functions effectively as a top or middle note, adding brightness and natural green character to compositions.
How is lemongrass absolute different from lemongrass essential oil?
Lemongrass absolute is produced via solvent extraction, yielding a more concentrated product with richer color and thicker consistency. Essential oil comes from steam distillation, producing a lighter, more volatile liquid.
Where does commercial lemongrass originate?
India leads global lemongrass production, followed by China and Brazil. The plant thrives in tropical climates with warm temperatures and consistent rainfall throughout the growing season.
What is citral and why is it important in lemongrass?
Citral is a collective term for geranial and neral, the primary aromatic compounds in lemongrass. It comprises 70-85% of lemongrass absolute, providing the characteristic intense lemon scent.
Does lemongrass absolute have any safety considerations?
Lemongrass absolute may cause skin sensitization in some individuals due to its high citral content. IFRA guidelines recommend careful dilution and patch testing for personal care applications.
What is the typical yield when extracting lemongrass absolute?
Essential oil yield from lemongrass typically ranges from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of fresh plant material, depending on species, growing conditions, and harvest timing.