Ingredient review
Lemongrass Water
INCI: Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water
A gentle, naturally fragrant botanical water that can refresh and lightly tone skin, but its benefits are mild and mostly sensory.
In plain English
Lemongrass water is the leftover liquid from steaming lemongrass to make essential oil. It has a light, lemony scent and a tiny amount of the plant's active compounds. In skincare, it's used mainly as a fragrant, refreshing base for toners and mists. It may help lightly tighten pores and calm skin, but it's not a strong active ingredient.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Lemongrass Water is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Lemongrass Water.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
Lemongrass water is a hydrosol (also called floral water or distillate) produced during the steam distillation of Cymbopogon schoenanthus, a type of lemongrass. It contains trace amounts of the plant's volatile oils, primarily citral and geraniol, along with water-soluble components.
How it works
When applied to skin, lemongrass water provides a light, refreshing sensation and a mild astringent effect, which can temporarily tighten pores and reduce surface oil. Its natural fragrance offers a pleasant sensory experience, and the trace antioxidants may provide very mild protection against environmental stressors.
Pros
Naturally refreshing
Provides a cooling, hydrating mist that feels pleasant on the skin, especially in warm weather or after cleansing.
Mild astringent action
Can help temporarily tighten pores and reduce excess oil without the harshness of alcohol-based toners.
Cons and cautions
Limited proven benefits
Most of its effects are sensory or very mild; it doesn't deliver the concentrated active benefits of lemongrass essential oil or other well-studied ingredients.
Potential allergen risk
Contains natural fragrance compounds like citral and geraniol, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Best for
- People who enjoy natural, lightly scented toners
- Those with normal to oily skin looking for a gentle astringent
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to lemongrass or citral
- Those with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Lemongrass water is considered safe for most people when used in cosmetics. The main concern is potential skin sensitivity to its natural fragrance compounds. A patch test is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known plant allergies.
Research notes
Research on lemongrass water specifically is very limited. Most evidence comes from studies on lemongrass essential oil, which contains higher concentrations of active compounds. The hydrosol's effects are assumed to be much milder. A 2017 study on lemongrass hydrosol found antioxidant activity, but human skin studies are lacking.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Up to 100% in hydrosol form; typically 5–50% in formulated products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the EU and US when used as a fragrance or skin-conditioning agent. No specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Toners, Mists, Facial cleansers, Lightweight lotions
- Environmental note
- Lemongrass is a fast-growing, low-impact crop that requires minimal water and pesticides, making its distillation byproducts relatively sustainable.
Good to know
- Lemongrass water is much gentler than lemongrass essential oil and is generally safe for most skin types.
- It is often used as a base in natural toners and mists, sometimes combined with other hydrosols.
Common questions
What is Lemongrass Water in beauty products?
Lemongrass water is the leftover liquid from steaming lemongrass to make essential oil. It has a light, lemony scent and a tiny amount of the plant's active compounds. In skincare, it's used mainly as a fragrant, refreshing base for toners and mists. It may help lightly tighten pores and calm skin, but it's not a strong active ingredient.
What does Lemongrass Water do in a beauty product?
When applied to skin, lemongrass water provides a light, refreshing sensation and a mild astringent effect, which can temporarily tighten pores and reduce surface oil. Its natural fragrance offers a pleasant sensory experience, and the trace antioxidants may provide very mild protection against environmental stressors.
Is Lemongrass Water safe for most people?
Lemongrass water is considered safe for most people when used in cosmetics. The main concern is potential skin sensitivity to its natural fragrance compounds. A patch test is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known plant allergies.
Who should be careful with Lemongrass Water?
Individuals with known allergies to lemongrass or citral Those with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Research sources
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.