Guidelines For Buying Lemongrass Oil Online- Cosmetology Supplies For Aromatherapy

Lemongrass Oil, known for its fresh lime aroma, is a "must have" for Aromatherapy and a variety of other food & drink applications. This posting tells you as to how you can buy good quality lemongrass oil from an online cosmetology store or an e-supermarket dealing in Aromatherapy Supplies.

Lemongrass Oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves/herb of Cymbopogon Citratus grass. It grows in equatorial or sub-equatorial climatic zones. There are about a dozen genotypes, however the one which is most suited for Aromatherapy is Cymbopogon Citratus.

To purchase good lemongrass on the web, from a cosmetology supplies store-

Please make certain that the genotype is Cymbopogon Citratus. This can be easily found out by the aroma or note. Cymbopogon Citratus has a "Fresh Lime Note", rather than the "metallic".

Next, have a look at the color of the oil. It should not be dark.

You must request for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet which details all physical and chemical properties of lemongrass oil, including the species and genotype.

Ask for a copy of a Gas Chromatograph too. A genuine supplier should have all supporting documents.

If you are buying bulk, it is always better to buy directly from a farmer. You may want to verify the credentials, for which you could use Andrea Butje's Distillers Database, which is a handy tool.

As a farmer and distiller, we always provide an MSDS and a GC for all Essential oils we distill and sell. You can check up our e-cart for all details.

If yo want to see what a GCMS chart looks like, please feel free to write to me.

Typical MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] of Lemongrass Oil derived from Cymbopogon Citratus is as follows-

1. Identification:

Commercial name: Lemongrass essential oil.

Botanical Nomenclature: Cymbopogon flexuosus and/or Cymbopogon citratus.

INCI name : Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus.

CAS number: 91844-92-7 and/or 89998-14-1 (EU)

TSCA- 8007-02-1 (USA)

EINECS number: 295-161-9 and/or 289-752-0

NAFTA number: 3301.29.6000

FEMA number: 2509 and/or 2624

FDA number: 182.20

ISO standard: ISO4718 (Cymb. Flexuosus)

2. Composition:

Main components: Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol.

Additives (e.g. carriers, preservatives, antioxidants): Nil.

3. Potential Health Hazards:

Inhalation: None identified.

Skin: Concentrated liquid and vapors irritating to skin by prolonged exposure.

Eyes: Irritating to eyes with possible damage.

Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed.

4. First aid:

Inhalation: If discomfort is felt, remove person to a well ventilated area with plenty of fresh air.

Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water.

Eyes: Flush immediately with plenty of cool water for 10 to 20 minutes. Seek medical advice from a Medical Doctor.

Ingestion: Seek immediate medical care.

5. In case of fire:

Extinguishing Media: Foam, Carbon dioxide.

Do not use: Water.

Special precautions: Wear breathing apparatus as toxic vapours may be released during fire.

6. Spill and Leak Procedure:

Individual precautions: Eliminate sources of ignition. Keep area well ventilated and isolate the spill.

Environmental protection: Prevent the liquid from entering the drains and sewers.

Cleaning methods: Soak up the spill using inert absorbents. For large spills use pumps.

7. Handling and storage:

Store in a cool, dry and dark place in suitable containers (aluminium cans or lacquer lined steel drums).

Handle in a well ventilated area.

Keep away from sources of heat and ignition.

8. Personal Protection / Exposure control:

Respiratory protection: Wear breathing apparatus when working in an area of high vapor concentration.

Skin protection: Use protective gloves. Wear protective clothing when possibility of contact exists.

Eye protection: Wear goggles.

General precautions: Use good industrial hygiene practice.

9. Physicochemical properties:

Appearance: yellow liquid

Odor: strong, lemony, herbaceous

pH: Neutral

Boiling point: 224C @ 760 mm

Flash point: 72C = 160F

Vapor pressure : 0.05mmHg @20C

Vapor Density: >1 (air=1)

Specific Gravity (25C): 0.872 to 0.905

Optical Rotation (25C): -5 to + 1

Refractive Index (25C): 1.485 to 1.493

Solubility in water (20): Negligible

Evaporation rate: