Trying to decide between cedarwood oil vs. lemongrass oil? Look no further – we’ve got you covered. While both of these essential oils offer unique benefits in their own right, there are a few key differences that might sway your decision.
In this ultimate comparison, we’ll walk you through each of these key points so hopefully, you can leave with a decision of which oil might be best suited for your unique needs.

The Basics on Cedarwood Oil and Lemongrass Oil
Before we take a deeper dive into our comparison of cedarwood oil vs. lemongrass oil, here’s a chart to break down the key bits and pieces of information you need to know in order to make an informed decision:
Cedarwood Oil | Lemongrass Oil | |
Derived From | Steam distilled from the wood of the cedar tree | Leaves and stalks of lemongrass plant |
Look and Smell | Woody scent with citrus undertones, somewhat soft and camphorous; ranges in color from pale yellow to various shades of brown | Yellow to reddish brown color with a citrusy aroma |
Top Health Benefits | Antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal, antifungal properties | Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties |
Best Used For | To facilitate wound healing, relieve muscle aches, combat pests and bacteria, soothe coughs, stimulate circulation | Anxiety relief, pain relief, and digestive support |
Cons | May cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in high doses; should not be used on pregnant women or young children | Can lead to skin irritation and potential miscarriage in pregnant women |
Who Can Use? | Anybody except very young children and pregnant women | Anybody besides pregnant women |
Best Carrier Oils | Almond, jojoba, avocado, sunflower | Coconut, jojoba, almond, grapeseed |
Shelf Life | 6-8 years | 1-2 years |
What is Cedarwood Oil?
Cedarwood oil is derived from the steam distillation of the wood of the cedar tree. It has a woody scent with hints of citrus undertones, making it somewhat soft and camphorous. Its color ranges from pale yellow to various shades of brown, depending on the quality of the oil.
This essential oil is said to be beneficial for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal, and antifungal properties.
If you’re looking to soothe muscle aches, combat pests and bacteria, or even stimulate circulation, this might be the perfect oil for you.
What is Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant. It has a citrusy aroma that can range from yellow to reddish-brown in color.
This essential oil is known for its touted antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, making it a potential choice for anxiety relief, pain relief, and digestive support.
Cedarwood Oil vs. Lemongrass Oil: Look and Smell
Cedarwood oil gives off a woody scent with citrus undertones. It’s got a somewhat soft and camphorous aroma that ranges in color from pale yellow to various shades of brown. It’s said to be perfect for those who want a more grounded, earthy scent without sacrificing a touch of freshness.
Lemongrass oil gives off a woody scent with citrus undertones. It’s got a somewhat soft and camphorous aroma that ranges in color from pale yellow to various shades of brown. This essential oil is said to be perfect for those who want a more grounded, earthy scent without sacrificing a touch of freshness.
Top Health Benefits of Cedarwood and Lemongrass Oil
Cedarwood oil is known for its touted antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal, and antifungal properties. This means it may help facilitate wound healing, relieve muscle aches, combat pests and bacteria, soothe coughs and stimulate circulation.
Plus, its woody scent, with citrus undertones, is just divine, making it a good choice for aromatherapy.
Next, we have lemongrass oil, which has touted antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. It may help with anxiety relief, pain relief, and digestive support. Its lovely citrusy aroma and warm, reddish-brown hue make it a popular choice for both skincare and aromatherapy.
Top Uses for Cedarwood and Lemongrass Oil
Both of these oils may be applied topically (with a carrier oil, of course) to help with various skin issues or muscle pain.
For topical use, cedarwood and lemongrass oils are best combined with carrier oils like jojoba, almond, avocado, or coconut oil. Using a diffuser, adding a few drops to your bath, or simply inhaling the oils can also provide a pleasant and therapeutic aromatherapy experience.
Cedarwood oil is said to be great for improving sleep quality when diffused or applied before bed – and lemongrass oil may help uplift your mood when added to a diffuser or simply inhaled from the bottle.
Pros and Cons of Lemongrass Oil
Let’s start with the pros. Lemongrass oil is said to be great for combating bacteria, fungus and even some viruses, so it’s a great tool to have in your home if you’re trying to stay healthy. It’s also said to be an excellent mood-booster, helping to reduce anxiety and depression, and it’s said to have pain-relieving properties as well.
If you’re feeling bloated, nauseous or have digestive issues, lemongrass oil may help soothe your stomach and get things back on track. Plus, it smells amazing and may be used as a natural perfume or air freshener.
But, of course, there are cons too. Lemongrass oil can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation if not diluted properly. Plus, if you’re pregnant, you should avoid using lemongrass oil altogether, as it can potentially lead to miscarriage.
Pros and Cons of Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil has touted antispasmodic properties, making it great for relieving muscle pain and getting rid of cramps. It’s also a natural insecticide, so it may help keep those pesky bugs away.
It’s also said to be great for promoting relaxation too, and can even help with respiratory issues like coughing and bronchitis. Plus, it’s a natural deodorizer that can help freshen up musty spaces.
But, as always, there are cons too. Cedarwood oil can be irritating to the skin if not diluted properly, and in high doses, it can cause dizziness and nausea. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women or young children, as it hasn’t been studied fully in these groups.
Are Cedarwood Oil and Lemongrass Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
While cedarwood oil and lemongrass oil do share a few similarities in terms of their benefits, they aren’t necessarily interchangeable substitutes for each other.
Both oils possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, but cedarwood oil is more commonly used for wound healing and muscle ache relief. It’s also said to be a great insecticide.
Lemongrass oil, on the other hand, is primarily used for digestive support, anxiety relief, and pain relief. It has a crisp and fresh citrusy scent that works wonders in diffusers and it may even help soothe the mind and alleviate stress.
While you can certainly use these two essential oils together for a one-two punch of benefits (and an amazing smell!), they are not interchangeable and should not be used as such.
Best Carrier Oils for Cedarwood and Lemongrass Oil
Not all oils are created equal, and there are some carrier oils that pair particularly well with cedarwood and lemongrass oil.
For cedarwood oil, the best carrier oils are almond, jojoba, avocado, or sunflower oil. These oils are great at penetrating the skin and will help facilitate the absorption of cedarwood’s healing properties. Plus, they won’t leave you feeling greasy or sticky!
Lemongrass oil, on the other hand, works well with carriers such as coconut, jojoba, almond, or grapeseed oil. These carriers are light and easily absorbed, allowing the lemongrass’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties to work their magic on your skin without any greasiness or stickiness.
How to Choose and Use Cedarwood Oil and Lemongrass Oil Safely
First and foremost, be sure to purchase pure, high-quality oils that have been rigorously tested and certified. Look for bottles labeled as 100% therapeutic grade or organic, and steer clear of blends or products with added ingredients like carrier oils or synthetic fragrances.
Once you’ve got your hands on some great oils, make sure you use them wisely! Essential oils are incredibly concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin or using in aromatherapy. A safe ratio for adults is two to three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, while infants and young children may require even less diluted oil.
When using cedarwood oil, be aware that it can potentially cause skin irritation or reactions in some individuals. Always test a small patch of skin before applying it more widely, and avoid using cedarwood during pregnancy or for young children.
On the other hand, lemongrass oil is generally well-tolerated, but may also irritate sensitive skin or cause sun sensitivity if applied before sun exposure. Again, pregnant women should avoid lemongrass oil.
Cedarwood vs. Lemongrass Oil Shelf Life and Storage
Cedarwood oil has a pretty impressive shelf life of six to eight years. This is because the oil is derived from steam-distilled cedar wood, which is a naturally decay-resistant material.
On the other hand, lemongrass oil has a much shorter shelf life of just one to two years. This is because the oil is derived from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, which are more susceptible to breaking down over time.
Both cedarwood and lemongrass oils should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help to preserve their fragrance and potency. It’s also a good idea to store the oils in a glass bottle rather than plastic, as glass is less permeable and, therefore, less likely to interact with the oil.
Cedarwood vs. Lemongrass Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
There’s no denying that essential oils have taken the world by storm. From relieving stress and anxiety to promoting skin health and digestion, these natural oils have become a staple in many people’s home remedies toolkit. But with so many options out there, it’s hard to know which one to choose.
All in all, it’s tough to declare an outright winner between cedarwood vs. lemongrass oil. Both have their unique benefits, and it’s up to you to decide which one will work best for you.
But regardless of which one you choose, you can rest easy knowing that each packs a powerful punch – and has an amazing aroma to boot.
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