What You Need to Know About Lemon Essential Oil

Studies indicate that lemon essential oil may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with offering other wellness advantages.

Although studies point to potential health perks, the FDA does not oversee or certify the purity or quality of essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before incorporating essential oils into your routine and research thequalityof a manufacturer’s offerings. Always perform apatch testbefore trying a new essential oil.

Lemon essential oil is a natural extract commonly used as a home remedy. It’s obtained from lemon rind via steam distillation or, less frequently, by cold-pressing the peel so that oil is released as the rind is punctured and rotated.

You can dilute lemon essential oil for topical application or diffuse it into the air to inhale. Many users report that lemon oil combats fatigue, supports mood, improves skin, fights bacteria and viruses, and reduces inflammation.

Recently, scientific research has begun to corroborate some of the claims made by long-time users of lemon essential oil. Continue reading to learn about the documented benefits, potential side effects, and practical guidance for use.

May reduce anxiety and depression symptoms

You might notice feeling calmer or more uplifted after using lemon-scented cleaning products; part of that effect likely comes from the scent itself.

While tidying your space can improve mood, the lemon aroma appears to contribute to that soothing sensation.

A 2006 study in mice found that lemon essential oil provided strong calming and mood-enhancing effects across three stress tests, and that it outperformed other oils like lavender and rose in stress relief.

A small 2016 study reported that lemon essential oil lowered anxiety in patients after orthopedic surgery.

These findings suggest that diffusing lemon essential oil may help ease some symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Can ease morning sickness symptoms

Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy, and lemon essential oil may help reduce their severity.

A 2014 study of 100 expectant mothers found that aromatherapy with lemon essential oil significantly decreased nausea and vomiting.

Can improve skin health

Lemon oil is among several essential oils with antibacterial activity that can target harmful microbes on the skin.

Research has shown lemon essential oil to be effective against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, making it useful for gently cleansing minor wounds.

Additional studies, including a laboratory report in 2017 and both in vitro and in vivo work in 2018, confirm lemon oil’s anti-infective action and its potential to reduce skin inflammation.

It also contains antioxidant components that may brighten and help preserve skin tone. Be aware, however, that citrus oils can increase sensitivity to sunlight (see below).

Can act as a pain reliever

In aromatherapy, lemon essential oil is sometimes employed as a natural analgesic. Its anti-stress and mood-elevating effects may influence how pain is perceived without inducing panic.

A 2014 mouse study found that lemon oil aromatherapy altered brain responses to painful stimuli.

Further research is needed to determine how lemon oil affects pain perception in humans.

May ease breathing and soothe a sore throat

If you’re congested or have a sore throat, lemon essential oil can be a helpful home remedy.

Set up a diffuser with lemon oil to release its citrus scent while you rest; the calming qualities may relax both the mind and the throat muscles.

There’s limited clinical evidence that lemon oil eases the common cold, though the vitamin C and antioxidants in fresh lemon juice are known to support easier breathing.

Steam distillation used to produce essential oil does not transfer vitamin C into the oil. Cold-pressed lemon essential oil might contain trace amounts of vitamin C, but most ends up in the aqueous portion during processing.

Never ingest essential oils.

Boosts alertness and concentration

Lemon essential oil can enliven mood and may also sharpen cognitive focus.

A small 2004 study with fourth-grade students reported that those who attended language classes in rooms where lemon oil was diffused scored better on exams.

Another small 2008 study suggested that aromatherapy with certain essential oils, including lemon, might improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

May help prevent and treat acne

Lemon oil is used for a range of skin issues, including acne.

When diluted and applied to the skin, lemon essential oil can kill bacteria trapped in pores that contribute to breakouts and can gently exfoliate dead skin cells that clog follicles.

Because lemon oil has healing properties, it may also speed recovery from blemishes and help improve the appearance of acne scars.

May promote wound healing

Thanks to its antimicrobial profile, lemon essential oil can be a useful addition to your first aid supplies.

An animal study found that lemon essential oil accelerated healing of tissue infected with mange.

For small cuts or scrapes, cleansing the area with diluted lemon oil may help sanitize, reduce infection risk, and possibly encourage faster healing.

Has antifungal effects

Lemon essential oil exhibits strong antifungal activity against certain skin overgrowths. A 2017 review noted effectiveness against fungi that cause athlete’s foot, thrush, and some yeast infections when applied topically.

Potential side effects

Like other citrus essential oils, lemon essential oil is generally considered safe for topical use and aromatherapy. It is often reported as safe for pregnant women and infants older than 3 months.

There are case reports describing increased skin sensitivity to sunlight from lemon essential oil, so it’s advisable to avoid direct sun exposure after using any citrus oil on your skin.

This reaction, called phototoxicity, can cause temporary redness resembling moderate sunburn and may produce a raw or burning sensation where the oil was applied.

Allergic reactions are usually avoidable by properly diluting essential oils and conducting a patch test before wider use.

Lemon oil is not listed as safe for use on animals. Some essential oils may be toxic if inhaled or ingested by pets, so consider any animals nearby when using aromatherapy.

How to use lemon essential oil

You can use lemon essential oil safely by diffusing it or using it topically after dilution.

To diffuse, add 3–4 drops to your diffuser, ensure good ventilation, and limit sessions to about 30 minutes.

For topical use, blend the lemon oil with a carrier oil of your choice.

Perform a patch test on a small, discreet area such as the inner forearm before applying it to sensitive regions like the face. If redness or irritation appears within 24 hours, discontinue use.

Wash off any lemon oil before exposing treated skin to sunlight to prevent phototoxic effects.

Why are carrier oils important?

Topical lemon essential oil is safe only when diluted with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are gentler, less concentrated oils that protect the skin’s outer layer.

As a rule of thumb, add about 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Common carrier oils include almond, jojoba, and coconut oil.

Essential oils are not food-grade and are not evaluated by the FDA for safety. Lemon oils contain unstable compounds and can oxidize over time, which reduces effectiveness and may increase irritation risk.

For safety, avoid ingesting lemon essential oil or any essential oil.

Where to buy lemon essential oil

Buying essential oil can be confusing because many brands sell blended products with multiple ingredients. Look for oils labeled 100% pure and, preferably, cold-pressed. Always check the ingredient list and the product’s origin.

You can purchase lemon essential oil at health food shops or online retailers. You might also be interested in learning about how to use lemon peel in other health and wellness contexts.

The takeaway

Lemon essential oil offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may boost mood, sharpen mental focus, reduce stress, and more.

Keep in mind that “natural” does not mean risk-free. Never apply undiluted lemon oil directly to your skin, and never ingest essential oils.

Essential oils are not substitutes for prescribed medical treatments but can complement a broader health and wellness regimen.

Explore the benefits of other essential oils to find complementary options for your needs.