The Skin Benefits of Palmarosa Oil, Plus Recipes and Safety Tips

Palmarosa oil is currently drawing a lot of attention.

This essential oil appears in products from brands like Liberty, Neal’s Yard, and Austin Austin, while several stars like Shailene Woodley also incorporate palmarosa into their daily routines.

Many claim this oil can do nearly everything.

Let’s explore what aestheticians and aromatherapists have to say about palmarosa essential oil’s benefits. Is it truly the all-in-one ingredient we’ve been seeking?

What is palmarosa oil?

Palmarosa essential oil is extracted from the Cymbopogon martini plant, a tall evergreen grass native to parts of East Asia. When distilled, the principal components include:

• geraniol
• geranyl acetate

Historically, palmarosa oil has been employed for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. A 2014 study  notes its use in Ayurvedic medicine for skin concerns and nerve discomfort.

Research from 2010 indicates geraniol is commonly found in cosmetics due to its pleasant aroma. It has also been shown to be:

• antimicrobial
• an antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• beneficial for the nervous system
• an insect repellent

Palmarosa essential oil benefits

Palmarosa essential oil carries a long history, but what are the scientifically verified advantages of applying it to the body?

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties

A 2020 study suggests palmarosa’s antimicrobial and antioxidant actions may be partly due to its rich geraniol monoterpene content.

However, other essential oils might outperform it as antimicrobials, per a 2020 study.

Research in 2021 assessed the oil’s antioxidant properties and found that palmarosa contains a variety of bioactive molecules with potential activity against pests, cancer, and protozoan infections. A 2019 study indicated that palmarosa oil acts as an antifungal by compromising fungal cell membranes.

Health and medicinal benefits

Thivi Maruthappu, a dermatologist and nutrition specialist at Cadogan Clinic, remarks, “There are no definitive, proven benefits of palmarosa oil.”

Nevertheless, there are indications that palmarosa oil may offer certain medical advantages, including:

• possible reduction of cholesterol
• potential protection against liver toxicity
• possible reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• possible support for symptoms of anxiety and depression

A 2014 study  on rats examined inhalation effects of palmarosa oil, noting lowered total cholesterol and liver protection from toxicity.

Other investigations have suggested nervous system benefits as well.

According to a 2017 study , palmarosa oil might help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and its calming properties could aid anxiety and depression.

Nevertheless, more rigorous human trials are needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Beauty benefits

Due to possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, palmarosa oil has a long track record in beauty.

“Essential oils act as plant hormones, meaning they are phytoestrogens,” notes skin and wellness expert Marie Reynolds. “They interact with the body and are absorbed through the skin, speeding their effects.”

It can serve as an excellent hair treatment.

“Palmarosa is believed to support healthy hair by removing dead skin cells when applied to the scalp and by reinforcing hair follicles from the root,” explains Maruthappu.

However, palmarosa oil should be used with caution on the skin. While it may help clear blemishes, slow aging, and soothe irritation in theory, it can also cause more pore congestion on some skin types. Always perform a patch test before using a product containing palmarosa oil, and dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

“Be cautious using oils on acne-prone skin, as they can increase congestion and blackhead formation. I usually advise avoiding oils in this context, with the exception of squalane, which is noncomedogenic,” states Maruthappu.

Insect repellent

According research from 2020 on natural insect repellents, palmarosa was found to provide 100 percent protection against mosquitoes for 12 hours.

Spiritual and emotional benefits of palmarosa oil

Palmarosa is a popular oil in aromatherapy because of its purported benefits for mood.

“Emotionally, it’s a mood booster,” says certified aromatherapist Julie Leonard. “It relaxes muscles and reduces fatigue.”

Leonard suggests that palmarosa aromatherapy may help support:

• depression
• anxiety
• stress
• nervousness
• grief

Some people believe this scent can be used to:

• calm the spirit
• increase focus
• balance negative emotions such as jealousy
• increase a sense of security

Still, none of these benefits are confirmed by research.

How to use it

Want to give palmarosa oil a try?

In beauty products

If you don’t have acne-prone skin, palmarosa oil can fight off free radicals, leaving you with a glowing, clear, youthful complexion.

However, as Maruthappu says, “It’s important to do your research!”

Look for products that are safe for sensitive skin and have positive reviews from users with a variety of skin types.

Palmarosa is available to purchase in an undiluted form, but you should never put it directly onto the skin. It should also be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding.

“Many skin care products incorporate palmarosa oil, and this might be the best place to start,” she suggests. “Never use undiluted essential oils on the skin.”

In a diffuser

If you want to experience the therapeutic aroma of palmarosa, a diffuser is a great way to reap the benefits.

Simply put your palmarosa essential oil in a bottle with reed diffuser sticks, and the scent will diffuse into the room. You can also try an electric diffuser.

Spritz it onto your pillow

Add a few drops of palmarosa oil to a carrier oil, then mix in a spray bottle of water. Spritz the mixture straight onto your pillow before bed to help you relax and nod off in the evening.

In recipes

If premixed oils and face products are a little dull for your taste, you can always get creative and make your own palmarosa mixtures at home.

These blends can be used for aromatherapy, baths, massages, skin care, and more.

However, always remember to use a carrier oil with palmarosa essential oil, and never put palmarosa or other essential oils directly on the skin.

DIY recipes

Try these simple essential oil blends at home:

Natural bug repellent

A few studies have suggested that palmarosa acts as a natural bug repellent.

Try this blend from Suzannerbanks the next time you want to fend off insects. You can also add this to a diffuser to keep pests away.

Ingredients

• 3 drops of palmarosa essential oil
• 2 drops of citronella essential oil
• 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 2 tbsp. carrier oil of choice, like jojoba, almond, coconut, or avocado

Directions

1. Mix essential oils with your chosen carrier oil.
2. Fill a spray bottle three-fourths of the way with water.
3. Add oil blend.
4. Spritz liberally on the skin.

Invigorating room mist

This room mist blend from Suzannerbanks will help increase your energy and focus throughout the day. You don’t need to use a carrier oil, as long as you don’t apply the spray directly to your skin.

Ingredients

• 9 drops palmarosa essential oil
• 9 drops lemon myrtle essential oil
• 9 drops bergamot essential oil

Directions

1. Fill a spray bottle three-fourths of the way with water.
2. Add oils.
3. Spritz liberally around your space.

Soothing bath oil blend

To help you unwind, this oil blend from AromaSense can go straight into your tub after you mix it with a carrier oil.

Ingredients

• 5 drops palmarosa essential oil
• 5 drops spearmint essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 tbsp. carrier oil of choice

Directions

1. Mix oils together
2. Add to running bathwater.
3. Soak.

Calming massage oil blend

Use this oil blend from AromaSense for at-home massages to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Ingredients

• 4 drops palmarosa essential oil
• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops clary sage essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 tbsp. carrier oil of choice

Directions

1. Mix essential oils and carrier oil.
2. Store in a glass bottle or jar.
3. Massage into skin as desired.

Peaceful diffuser blend

This simple blend from Home Essential Oils is great for putting in a reed diffuser. You’ll need to use a carrier oil so that the scent distributes evenly.

Ingredients

• 3 drops palmarosa essential oil
• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 2 tbsp. carrier oil of choice

Directions

1. Mix oils together.
2. Add to reed diffuser.
3. Flip the reeds once oil is absorbed.
4. Repeat.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil, and dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil so it doesn’t burn your skin.

Safety and side effects

While palmarosa oil has plenty of potential benefits, it can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

“Just because the product is natural doesn’t mean it’s better for your skin,” says Maruthappu. “The quality of essential oils drastically varies and they’re not regulated, so it’s important to do your research and buy from reputable or well-known companies,” she adds.

She also emphasized that oils should come in dark-colored or glass containers. Avoid fragrance oils, which are usually combined with chemicals.

Essential oils of any type are not meant to be swallowed. Use essential oils in aromatherapy or diluted in a carrier oil for massage or bath.

Also, consider who else in the environment might be inhaling aromatherapy. Some essential oils are toxic to pets and children.

Before using any new products on the skin, do a patch test. If you have any health concerns, always check with a healthcare professional to see if palmarosa is right for you. Avoid palmarosa if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Alternatives

Palmarosa has a floral scent that’s great for promoting relaxation. If you want to find a similar essential oil, try the following:

• lavender
• geranium
• rose
• lemongrass
• ylang-ylang
• bergamot
• jasmine

Takeaway

Palmarosa essential oil is a natural ingredient that may offer some benefits as part of your skin and hair care routine.

Plus, it smells lovely and blends well with a range of other scents, making it great for aromatherapy, massage blends, and home diffusers.

Still, research doesn’t confirm the benefits of palmarosa, and it may irritate the skin. Always do a patch test and check with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns.