CITRONELLA OIL MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025 - 2032)

Global Citronella Oil Market Size and Forecast – 2025-2032

The global citronella oil market is estimated to be valued at USD 142.2 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 209.6 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the Citronella Oil Market

• The natural segment is projected to account for 53. 5% of the market share in 2025.
• The therapeutics segment is expected to account for 21. 6% share in 2025.
• The online retail segment is projected to hold 28. 9% of the market share in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is set to lead the global citronella oil market in 2025 with a 42. 1% share. North America, with an estimated share of 21.5% in 2025, and it is projected to be the fastest-growing region.

Market Overview

A significant trend in the citronella oil market is the growing awareness of the benefits of natural and sustainable products, which is fueling demand for citronella-based formulations. Additionally, innovations in extraction technologies are improving oil purity and yield, enhancing product quality. The rise in vector-borne diseases has also increased the use of citronella oil as an effective natural repellent. Furthermore, the surge in organic and herbal personal care products is expected to propel the market’s growth, with manufacturers focusing on certified organic citronella oil to meet consumer expectations.

Current Events and Its Impact

Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report

Segmental Insights

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Citronella Oil Market Insights, by Source – Natural Segment Dominates the Market due to Consumer Preference for Purity and Sustainability

By source, the natural segment is expected to hold a 53.5% share in 2025. Natural citronella oil, produced using steam distillation of citronella grass, is viewed as more genuine and effective than organic or synthetic options.

For instance, in July 2024, SC Johnson promoted its “OFF! Citronella Oil Candles” in North America, emphasizing the use of natural citronella oil.

Citronella Oil Market Insights, by Application – Therapeutic Segment Dominates the Market Fueled by Rising Demand for Alternative and Preventive Healthcare

By application, the therapeutics segment is projected to account for 21.6% share in 2025. Citronella oil’s well-documented antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and insect-repellent properties make it a favored ingredient in therapeutic formulations aiming to treat or prevent a range of conditions, especially those involving infections or inflammation. This segment benefits from a broader cultural shift where consumers actively seek holistic treatments that complement or replace synthetic drugs, emphasizing wellness and preventive care.

For instance, in April 2024, Himalaya Wellness launched a new herbal antiseptic cream in India that incorporates citronella oil as a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The product was promoted as a safer, plant-based alternative to synthetic topical formulations, catering to consumers seeking preventive skincare solutions.

Citronella Oil Market Insights, by Distribution Channel - Online Retail Segment Dominates the Market Driven by Convenience and Expanding Consumer Reach

The online retail segment is projected to hold 28.9% share in 2025. Several factors contribute to the rapid adoption and preference for online platforms over traditional retail outlets. The foremost driver is the unparalleled convenience and accessibility that online retail offers, allowing consumers to browse a wide range of citronella oil products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases at their own pace without geographic constraints.

For example, in May 2024, Amazon reported a surge in sales of citronella-based essential oils and diffusers during its “Summer Wellness Essentials” campaign across North America and Europe.

Regional Insights

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Asia Pacific Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

The Asia Pacific region is projected to lead the market with a 42.1% share in 2025, due to the region’s robust agricultural ecosystem, favorable climatic conditions for citronella cultivation, and a well-established essential oils industry. The presence of numerous small to medium enterprises alongside leading multinational corporations creates a competitive yet collaborative market environment.

For example, companies such as Synthite Industries Ltd. (India), PT Kharisma Wira Agung (Indonesia), and BioAsia Essential Oils (China) have made substantial contributions through advancements in extraction technologies and sustainable farming practices.

North America Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

The North America region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the market contributing 21.5% share in 2025, driven by increasing consumer awareness about natural, eco-friendly products, especially in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and pest control sectors.

For example, in the U.S., Reckitt’s Lysol brand launched its “Lysol Botanicals” line in 2024, which includes eco-friendly cleaning products infused with plant-derived essential oils like citronella.

Global Citronella Oil Market Outlook for Key Countries

India Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

India citronella oil market is central to global citronella oil production, leveraging its massive citronella cultivation regions and cost-efficient labor. The government’s support through schemes promoting essential oil farming and export simplification has strengthened India’s position as a supplier of premium-grade oils. Major companies like Synthite Industries Ltd. have capitalized in modern extraction and refining technologies, contributing to quality enhancement and product diversity. The local market also benefits from high demand from domestic personal care and aromatherapy industries, making India a critical hub in the global value chain.

Indonesia Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

Indonesia citronella oil market thrives on the country’s abundant citronella grass resources and well-developed plantation infrastructure. Export-oriented strategies backed by government incentives focus on increasing international trade, especially to Europe and North America. Notable firms such as PT Kharisma Wira Agung play an important role in integrating sustainable practices and improving yield quality. Indonesia’s competitive industrial costs and strategic trade businesses have positioned it as a preferred oil exporter.

U.S. Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

The U.S. citronella oil market focuses heavily on product innovation and expanding applications of citronella oil in natural insect repellents and cosmetic preparations. The region enjoys strong customer demand for organic and eco-friendly products, while companies like Young Living Essential Oils drive market expansion through brand recognition and extensive distribution channels. Controlling bodies ensure rigorous quality and safety standards, encouraging manufacturers to emphasize purity and efficacy. Imports from Asia Pacific, complement local production efforts, ensuring product availability for diverse applications.

China Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

China citronella oil market is marked by advancements in extraction technology and integration of citronella oil into traditional medication and cosmetics. The government’s emphasis on botanic ingredient research and promotion of green crops supports industry growth. Companies such as BioAsia Essential Oils actively invest in R&D to improve oil refinement and tailor products for both domestic and international markets. China also acts as a key intermediate in the global trade of citronella oil, leveraging its role in the essential oils supply chain across Asia Pacific.

Brazil Citronella Oil Market Analysis and Trends

Brazil represents a growing market within Latin America, fueled by growing interest in natural ingredients across the personal care and pest management sectors. Given its rich biodiversity, the country is exploring cultivation of citronella and similar crops to diversify its agricultural exports. Local companies are investing in sustainable agricultural performs, supported by satisfactory government policies encouraging bio-based industries. Brazil’s growing middle-class consumer base and expanding natural product market present attractive opportunities for citronella oil’s prolonged use and production.

Macro and Micro Economic Factors Impacting on Citronella Oil Market Growth

Macroeconomic Factors

• Global Economic Growth: Rising global incomes and living standards boost demand for premium and natural products, including citronella oil for fragrances, personal care, and wellness.
• Regulatory Policies: Changes in regulatory frameworks concerning natural pesticides and chemical-free consumer goods can accelerate or inhibit market access.
• Trade and Supply Chain Factors: International trade policies, transportation disruptions, and supply chain volatility, especially during events like pandemics, can impact availability and pricing, affecting market stability.
• Climate and Environmental Trends: Increased focus on sustainability and ecological pest management drives adoption of citronella oil, given its reputation as an eco-friendly solution.
• Regional Economic Expansion: Rapid development and urbanization in Asia Pacific and emerging markets encourage market penetration as disposable income rises and consumer tastes shift towards wellness and natural alternatives.

Microeconomic Factors

• Raw Material Price Volatility: Fluctuating costs and inconsistent availability of high-quality citronella plants impact margins and production planning for manufacturers.
• Quality and Authenticity Challenges: Risks of adulteration and mislabeling undermine consumer trust and can restrict repeat purchases, directly affecting brand and product competitiveness.
• Product Innovation: Advances in extraction technologies, development of new blends, and differentiated product offerings for aromatherapy, cosmetic, and home care segments create opportunities for market expansion.
• Consumer Behavior: Growing preference for organic, plant-based, and clean-label products drives demand, especially in personal care, aromatherapy, and household cleaning applications.
• Competitive Pressures: Competition from synthetic repellents and cost-effective chemical substitutes may limit growth in price-sensitive or bulk demand segments.

Market Players, Key Development, and Competitive Intelligence

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Key Developments

• Arora Aromatics Pvt. Ltd. is a prominent manufacturer and exporter of natural citronella oil, offering both standard and Java citronella variants produced through steam distillation of Cymbopogon leaves and stems. The company highlights its product quality by specifying key components such as citronellal (28–32%) and citronellol (10–15%), ensuring consistency for applications in aromatherapy, skincare, candles, home care, and insect repellents.
• Shri Venkatesh Aromas, India, is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of natural essential oils, of which citronella oil is one key product. Their citronella essential oil is described as 100% pure, steam-distilled from plant material (grass, leaves/stems of Cymbopogon winterianus) and packaged typically in drums.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Citronella Oil Market Players

• Established players dominate the market through heavy investments in research and development (R&D), aiming to innovate and improve the efficacy and versatility of citronella oil-based products.
  • For instance, BASF, invested in advanced natural ingredient formulations, positioning citronella oil in personal care and homecare applications with verified antimicrobial and insect-repellent benefits.

• Mid-level players in the citronella oil market adopt a different approach focusing primarily on cost-effective solutions that offer a balanced value proposition of quality and affordability. They emphasize operational efficiency and process optimization to keep production costs low without compromising product quality, thereby appealing to a broader customer base.
  • For example, Katyani Exports in India supplies competitively priced citronella oil to regional aromatherapy and insect-repellent manufacturers, emphasizing process efficiency and large-volume capacity.

• Small-scale players, often operating in regional or specialized market segments, differentiate themselves by focusing on innovation and niche product offerings. They frequently develop unique, specialized citronella oil variants or formulations tailored to specific applications such as organic personal care, insect repellents, or aromatherapy, thus catering to distinct consumer preferences.
  • For instance, Aromatantra, a niche brand in India, produces handcrafted aromatherapy blends and organic citronella oils catering to wellness-focused consumers.

Market Report Scope

Citronella Oil Market Report Coverage

Citronella Oil Market Dynamics

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Citronella Oil Market Driver - Growing Demand for Natural and Organic Products

The rising consumer preference for natural and organic products has significantly propelled the demand for citronella oil across various industries. As awareness about the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals on health and the environment intensifies, individuals increasingly seek eco-friendly alternatives, positioning citronella oil as a natural ingredient in personal care, cosmetics.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic product sales reached record levels in 2021, with the organic non-food sector experiencing substantial growth, particularly in personal care and household products containing natural ingredients like citronella oil.

Citronella Oil Market Opportunity - Expansion of the Essential Oils Market

The global citronella oil market stands to benefit significantly from the rapid expansion of the broader essential oils market, driven by escalating consumer preference for natural and organic products. As awareness surrounding health, wellness, and environmental sustainability grows, essential oils have gained prominence across diverse sectors including personal care, aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and household products.

For example, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program, certified organic product sales have demonstrated consistent growth, with essential oils being a significant contributor to this expansion. The USDA reported that organic product certifications increased substantially between 2020-2022, indicating robust demand for natural alternatives like citronella oil in personal care, home care, and wellness applications.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The global citronella oil market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and organic products in the fragrance and personal care sectors. Insights from the Natural Products Expo (2023) and the Aroma Congress (2022) highlighted innovative applications, with companies like Cymbopogon and Herbivore Botanicals leading the charge in developing eco-friendly formulations.
• Cymbopogon’s recent launch of a line of citronella-infused skincare products showcases a strategic move towards harnessing the oil's natural insect-repellent properties while appealing to health-conscious consumers. Discussions at these conferences emphasized the growing trend of sustainability, with attendees highlighting the importance of ethical sourcing and transparency in supply chains. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and the need for stringent quality control were noted as potential barriers to market entry.
• Companies that invest in sustainable farming practices and robust quality assurance processes will likely enhance their market position. Additionally, leveraging social media to educate consumers about the benefits of citronella oil can drive brand loyalty.

Market Segmentation

• Source Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Natural
  • Organic
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Therapeutics
  • Aromatherapy
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care
  • Food and Beverages
  • Household Products
  • Others
• Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Online Retail
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Specialty Stores
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Arora Aromatics Pvt. Ltd.
  • Sivaroma Naturals Pvt. Ltd.
  • Shri Venkatesh Aromas ( Part. Shyam Kasera )
  • Blue Hills & Company
  • Mane KANCOR
  • AG Organica
  • Indian Spice Oil Industries 
  • AOS Product Pvt. Ltd.
  • Rakesh Sandal Industries
  • VDH Organics Pvt. Ltd.
  • KUNSHAN ODOWELL CO.,LTD
  • Reho Natural Ingredients
  • SHIV SHAKTI INDIA

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• R&D Director – Leading Essential Oil Manufacturer
• Procurement Manager – Major Fragrance & Flavors Company
• Product Development Head – Personal Care & Cosmetics Brand
• Sustainability Manager – Natural Ingredients Certification Body

Stakeholders

• Manufacturers (essential oils, aroma chemicals, natural insect repellents)
• End Use Sectors:
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics (soaps, lotions, creams)
  • Household Products (cleaning agents, detergents, air fresheners)
  • Insect Repellents & Pest Control (sprays, coils, candles)
  • Food & Beverages (flavoring agents, beverages)
  • Aromatherapy & Wellness Brands (diffusers, therapeutic blends)
• Regulatory & Certification Bodies (food safety, cosmetics, pesticide regulations)
• E-commerce Platforms and Retailers (Amazon, Alibaba, health & wellness platforms)
• Technology Integration Players (bio-based extraction and purification technology providers)

Databases

• UN Comtrade Database (global trade statistics of essential oils)
• India Import Export (EXIM) Database
• FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization statistics on citronella grass production)

Magazines

• Perfumer & Flavorist – Market trends in essential oils and fragrances
• Chemical Weekly – Essential oils and aroma chemicals updates
• Natural Products Insider – Herbal and plant-based market insights
• Aromatherapy Today – Developments in therapeutic essential oils
• Cosmetics Business – Natural ingredient adoption in cosmetics

Journals

• Journal of Essential Oil Research – Extraction methods, chemical composition, applications
• Industrial Crops and Products – Citronella grass cultivation and processing
• Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – Applications in food and insect repellents
• Phytotherapy Research – Medicinal and wellness benefits of citronella oil
• Natural Product Research – Bioactive compounds and health applications

Newspapers

• The Financial Times – Trade and growth of natural oils market
• The Guardian – Consumer awareness toward eco-friendly repellents
• Asia Health Journal – Growth of essential oils in Asia-Pacific
• Business Standard – India’s role in citronella oil exports

Associations:

• International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
• International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT)
• American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – Essential Oil Quality Standards
• Aromatherapy Trade Council

Public Domain Sources

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Guidelines for essential oil usage in food & cosmetics
• European Commission (EC) – Regulations for natural insect repellents and cosmetics
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Health safety standards for natural repellents
• OECD – Environmental and trade assessments for plant-based oils

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years.