Lemon grass

What Does It Smell Like?

Lemongrass smells like someone's just crushed a handful of fresh lemon zest between their fingers, but with an herbaceous twist—there's a grassy, almost hay-like undertone that keeps it from being purely citrus. It's brighter and sharper than a lemon itself, with a slightly peppery, almost minty freshness that makes your nose tingle pleasantly. Imagine walking through a tropical garden after rain, where citrus trees meet dried herbs. There's a clean, almost soapy quality that feels simultaneously tart and green.

Origin & History

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to tropical regions of South Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The fragrant essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried leaves and stems, yielding a pale yellow liquid rich in citral compounds—the same molecules responsible for lemon's character. Today, it's synthetically recreated in laboratories using citral or other chemical building blocks, making it accessible and consistent for the fragrance industry. It's also widely used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.

In Perfumery

Lemongrass functions as a vibrant top note that provides instant freshness and lift. Perfumers use it to awaken compositions with a crisp, slightly spicy green character that feels modern and energising. It bridges citrus and herbal territories, making it versatile for layering. Often paired with white florals, woody notes, or other green elements, it adds complexity without overwhelming.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 11 Fragrances