Ingredient review

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil

INCI: BACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA LEAF OIL

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and may help fight bacteria, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin if used at high concentrations.

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In plain English

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is an essential oil pressed from the leaves of an Australian tree. It smells strongly of lemon and is used in skincare to give products a natural fragrance. Some research suggests it can help kill certain bacteria and fungi on the skin, which is why you might find it in cleansers or acne products. However, like many essential oils, it can cause stinging or redness if your skin is sensitive or if the oil is used in high amounts. It is not the same as lemon juice or lemon extract.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

moderate

Can bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is a steam-distilled essential oil from the leaves of Backhousia citriodora, a tree native to Australia. It is rich in citral, the compound responsible for its strong lemon scent and antimicrobial activity.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil primarily acts as a fragrance ingredient, providing a fresh, lemony aroma. Its citral content also gives it mild antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce certain bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface, potentially supporting acne-prone or oily skin when formulated properly.

Pros

Natural citrus scent

Provides a fresh, lemony aroma without synthetic fragrance chemicals, appealing to those who prefer natural products.

Mild antimicrobial support

Research shows it can help reduce certain bacteria and fungi on skin, which may benefit acne-prone or oily skin types when used in appropriate concentrations.

Cons and cautions

Potential skin irritation

Like many essential oils, it can cause stinging, redness, or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive or damaged skin.

Photosensitivity risk

Although lower than citrus peel oils, high concentrations may increase sun sensitivity, so it's best used in rinse-off products or with sunscreen.

Best for

  • People who enjoy natural, citrus-scented skincare
  • Those with oily or acne-prone skin looking for a gentle antimicrobial boost

Use caution if

  • Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
  • Anyone with a known allergy to citral or citrus oils

Usage tips

Look for products where Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is listed near the end of the ingredient list, indicating a lower concentration.
If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on your inner arm before using a product with this oil on your face.
Use with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day if the product is leave-on and contains a noticeable amount of this oil.

Safety summary

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is generally safe for most people when used at low concentrations in cosmetic products. However, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and high concentrations may increase sun sensitivity. Patch testing is recommended.

Research notes

Research supports the antimicrobial activity of Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil, particularly against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and fungi like Candida albicans. However, most studies are in vitro (lab-based), and more human trials are needed to confirm efficacy in skincare.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at 0.1% to 1% in leave-on products, and up to 2% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved as a fragrance ingredient by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) with usage restrictions to limit skin sensitization. Not regulated as a drug by the FDA.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Toners, Body washes, Aromatherapy products
Environmental note
Lemon myrtle is sustainably farmed in Australia, and the oil is typically produced via steam distillation, which has a lower environmental impact than solvent extraction.

Good to know

  • Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is not the same as lemon juice or lemon extract; it is a concentrated essential oil.
  • It is often used in natural deodorants and cleansers for its fresh scent and antibacterial properties.
  • The oil is considered more stable than lemon peel oil and has a longer shelf life.

Common questions

What is Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil in beauty products?

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is an essential oil pressed from the leaves of an Australian tree. It smells strongly of lemon and is used in skincare to give products a natural fragrance. Some research suggests it can help kill certain bacteria and fungi on the skin, which is why you might find it in cleansers or acne products. However, like many essential oils, it can cause stinging or redness if your skin is sensitive or if the oil is used in high amounts. It is not the same as lemon juice or lemon extract.

What does Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil primarily acts as a fragrance ingredient, providing a fresh, lemony aroma. Its citral content also gives it mild antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce certain bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface, potentially supporting acne-prone or oily skin when formulated properly.

Is Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil safe for most people?

Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil is generally safe for most people when used at low concentrations in cosmetic products. However, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and high concentrations may increase sun sensitivity. Patch testing is recommended.

Who should be careful with Lemon Myrtle Leaf Oil?

Individuals with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone with a known allergy to citral or citrus oils

Research sources

IFRA Standards on Lemon Myrtle OilOpenPubMed: Antimicrobial activity of Backhousia citriodora oilOpenCosIng Database - Backhousia citriodora leaf oilOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.