Citronella against mosquitoes – myth or miracle?

Citronella has become something of a summer icon. The yellow label, the fresh citrus scent, the promise of keeping mosquitoes at bay – we’ve all seen (and smelled) it. But behind the scent lies a question more important than we might realize: does citronella really work against mosquitoes?

At Remoair, we have always loved the inherent power of plants. But we have also learned that not all scents are equally effective, even if they bear the label "natural." Citronella, in particular, is one of the substances we have chosen to approach with curiosity – but also with some skepticism. Here, we share our perspective.

The scent that became a symbol of summer and protection

Citronella oil is extracted from grass species in the genus Cymbopogon, primarily Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. The scent is fresh and lemon-like, with a metallic acidity and volatile greenness. It is easily recognizable and has long been used in perfumes, soaps, and mosquito products.

Especially in candles. Citronella candles have become a classic for patios, campsites, and summer cottages. But while the scent can be pleasant for us – at least in small doses – the question is more complex when it comes to its effect on mosquitoes.

Does citronella work against mosquitoes?

Research shows that citronella can have some deterrent effect, but it is often short-lived and varies greatly between different mosquito species.

• According to a study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology (2009), citronella oil provides protection for 20–30 minutes when applied to the skin.
• In outdoor environments with wind or high humidity, the effect diminishes quickly – sometimes to less than 10 minutes.
• Some mosquito species barely react to citronella at all.

In other words, it is a substance with its merits – but also clear limitations. Many citronella products contain such low concentrations that the scent becomes more symbolic than functional. A kind of fragrant placebo.

We don't think that's enough. We wanted to create a candle that both feels and works.

How citronella smells

Citronella is not a simple scent. It is fresh, yes – but also sharp, somewhat plasticky in its synthetic form, and often too dominant to be perceived as pleasant in fragrance compositions.

In its natural form, it can have an interesting citrus character, with hints of ginger, rose, and earth. But in commercial candles, a cheaper synthetic variant is often used, which feels flat and soapy.

At Remoair, we believe that citronella in its raw form rarely harmonizes with our aesthetic. We seek scents that invite, not scents that overwhelm. That's why we chose not to use pure citronella as the main ingredient in our mosquito candles.

More than citronella – why we chose Citrepel®

Instead, we turned to Citrepel®, a plant-based substance extracted from lemon eucalyptus – a cousin of citronella, but with a completely different profile. Where citronella is volatile and short-lived, Citrepel® is stable and long-lasting.

• Citrepel® (PMD) provides up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes – even in warm and humid environments【Source: ECHA, 2022】
• It is approved in the EU as a biocide and is considered safe for both humans and the environment
• The scent is milder, more woody, slightly citrus – and above all more compatible with our fragrance visions

Our mosquito candles are therefore a combination of Citrepel® and selected essential oils – such as lavender, patchouli, and eucalyptus – which provides a well-rounded and discreet scent profile that also protects.

We didn't want to create just another citronella candle. We wanted to create a candle you actually want to light.