What Is Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water?
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water is the aromatic water collected after steam distilling the whole lemongrass plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus. During distillation steam pulls volatile compounds such as citral, limonene, geraniol and natural sugars from the plant. When the steam cools it separates into essential oil and a lighter aqueous layer; that gentle citrus-scented layer is the water used in cosmetics.
Lemongrass has been prized for its fresh scent in cooking and folk remedies for centuries. As steam distillation became popular in the 19th century producers noticed the fragrant water left behind could freshen skin and hair without the heavier essential oil. Over time formulators adopted it as a mild way to add perfume and light skin benefits to modern products.
Manufacturers harvest the grass, chop it, then pass pressurised steam through the plant material. The condensed distillate is collected, filtered and sometimes pasteurised to ensure stability before it goes into a lotion or spray.
Today you will spot Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water in toners, face mists, sheet masks, lightweight moisturisers, aftershaves, deodorant sprays, hair refreshers and soothing foot or body creams where a clean lemony note and gentle skin feel are desired.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a formula this plant water can serve several useful purposes:
- Flavouring: Adds a light citrus taste to lip balms or oral care rinses making the product more pleasant to use
- Fragrance: Imparts a fresh lemony aroma that masks unwanted base odors and leaves a clean finish on skin or hair
- Perfuming: Works as a supporting note that rounds out complex scent blends without relying on heavier synthetic perfumes
- Skin Conditioning: Provides a mild dose of hydration plus naturally occurring antioxidants which can help soften skin and support a healthy barrier
Who Can Use Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water
This fragrant plant water is generally suitable for all skin types. Dry and normal skin appreciate the light hydration boost while oily and combination skin enjoy its weightless feel that will not clog pores. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the distillate contains only trace amounts of the stronger essential oil constituents, though anyone extremely reactive to citral or lemongrass in general should approach carefully.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water is a botanical ingredient with no animal-derived components or processing aids, so it is appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not known to face specific risks from the low levels of aroma compounds present in this water. Still, individual circumstances vary so this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare product by a health professional just to be safe.
The distillate is not phototoxic and will not increase sun sensitivity. It also plays nicely with most common skincare actives so formulators can pair it with ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid without concern.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but these outcomes remain uncommon for the average user when the ingredient is used properly in a finished product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis in anyone allergic to lemongrass or citral
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the mist or formula is sprayed directly into the eyes
- Rare fragrance sensitization after prolonged use of highly scented products
If you notice persistent irritation, swelling or a rash after using a product containing Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water is over 99 percent water with only trace, fast-evaporating aromatic molecules, so it leaves no residue that could block pores. That earns it a zero on the comedogenic scale.
Its non-comedogenic nature means it is generally suitable for those who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind overall pore friendliness depends on the entire formula, not just this single ingredient.
Summary
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Water works as a natural fragrance, flavouring agent, gentle perfuming note and mild skin conditioner by delivering light citrus compounds alongside a splash of hydration and antioxidants.
While not as mainstream as rose or lavender waters it is gaining traction in toners, mists, deodorants and lightweight creams thanks to its fresh scent and clean label appeal.
The ingredient is considered very safe, rarely irritates and is non-comedogenic. Even so, skin can be unpredictable so it is always smart to patch test when introducing any new product that contains this refreshing plant water.