As a beauty editor who writes about fragrance regularly, I’m very lucky to have a pretty extensive perfume collection. While I have a personal preference for creamy vanilla scents and lightweight, airy fragrances, a quick browse through my ever-growing collection reveals a diverse mix of different fragrance families, from crisp green options to watery aquatic perfumes, and even a few more unusual fragrance notes, like sweet banana scents.
Another of the more unusual fragrance notes nestled in my collection? Citronella—a fragrant, grassy, slightly zesty note, often used in conjunction with lemongrass, which is often found in the best citrus perfumes, as well as more niche fragrance combinations, too.
Yet, while both citronella and lemongrass are undoubtedly deliciously unique when it comes to their scent, there’s actually another reason why I keep them in my summer perfume collection. Many scent experts believe that both notes work to keep bugs and insects at bay, and so, I regularly opt for fragrances containing them on hot sunny days or when packing my favourite holiday perfumes .
Does Citronella Keep Insects Away?
While I’ve sworn by citronella scents for their insect-repelling properties for years, I thought it would be useful to check in with an expert to find out if citronella actually works when it comes to deterring insects.
“A number of essential oils have been found to be effective in deterring insects in the summer months,” Jo Kellett, expert aromatherapist for Tisserand Aromatherapy, explains. “The reason for this is a chemical compound, citral, which most flying insects find repellent. Essential oils high in citral include lemongrass, may chang, lemon tea-tree and citronella.”
Of course, there are some things to note. Although citronella perfumes are thought to be a gentle bug deterrent, they’re not a replacement for heavy-duty bug sprays. “It’s also worth saying that applying citronella essential oil directly to the skin definitely isn’t recommended, as it can cause skin irritation,” says Jacob Grainger, perfumer & co-founder of Nosu. “[Also,] the commonly named ‘citronella plant’ (actually a type of scented geranium) smells similar but isn’t particularly effective at repelling insects, though it’s often planted in gardens to attempt to do so.” Therefore, it’s worth examining your fragrance closely to determine which notes it contains.
The Best Citronella Perfumes
If you thought the above would mean citronella perfumes would err on the more practical side, think again. As unsexy as they sound, when done right, citronella scents can smell incredible. To prove it, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites.
Diptqyque Citronelle and Geranium Summer Body Spray
Diptqyque
Citronelle and Geranium Summer Body Spray
Key notes: Lemongrass, lemon, eucalyptus, neroli, geranium
Firstly, for a luxe option, I’m a big fan of Diptyque’s summer body spray. Containing a blend of lemongrass, lemon and eucalyptus, all distilled from essential oils, I’ve found it to be an effective insect repellent that smells like sweet dry grass and wild flowers on a sunny day.
Lush Love Perfume
Key notes: Lemongrass, cinnamon, red apple, bergamot, rose, jasmine
Bright, vibrant and powerful, Lush’s Love takes you on a journey. At first spritz, it’s sharp with lemongrass (oil, I must add), which is then joined by softer florals, courtesy of rose and jasmine. It then takes on a slightly sweet dimension; however, don’t expect anything sugary or gourmand, this is definitely a citrus scent to its core. Think sherbet lemon rather than lemon meringue pie, and you’ll begin to have an idea.
CRA-YON Continental Eau de Parfum
CRA-YON
Continental Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Ylang-ylang, cypress, lemon, mint, lemongrass, leather, amber
If you’re looking for a lemongrass fragrance that doesn’t lean too citrus-heavy, CRA-YON’s Continental is the perfect choice. While it still has that herby, slightly medicinal scent due to a blend of lemongrass and mint, it feels much softer than the other fragrances in this edit thanks to the addition of smooth leather, musk and amber notes. It’s sharp yet slightly smoky at the same time, with a comforting creaminess lying underneath it all.
Commune Seymour Solid Perfume
Commune
Seymour Solid Perfume
Key notes: Grapefruit, lemongrass, geranium, lavender, clary sage, cypress
If you haven’t tried a solid perfume before, it’s definitely time you did. Easy to travel with, apply, and in Commune’s case, refill, they are a great alternative to traditional bottled perfumes, especially if you’re travelling hand luggage only or like to keep a fragrance in your handbag.
Seymour is a scent designed to evoke the lush landscapes of Somerset. Alongside notes of lemongrass and lavender (both excellent insect-repelling oils), you’ll also find geranium, clary sage and cypress. The blend is alive and uplifting with a slight medicinal tinge that’s not overpowering but works to give the scent a fresh, clean feel.
Neal’s Yard Citronella Formula
Neal’s Yard
Citronella Formula
Key notes: Citronella, lavender
While, of course, there are some great luxury citronella perfumes available, if you’re looking for something simpler, try Neal’s Yard Citronella Formula. Described as a cooling sun spray, it can be applied directly to the skin to refresh and repel unwanted insects.
What I love most about this spray, however, is that alongside citronella and lavender essential oils, it also contains witch hazel. This clever oil will soothe any redness or irritation that may come about, whether from bug bites or even sunburn, to help stave off itching and irritation.
