Kaffir Lime Leaf Essential Oil is a therapeutic-grade oil steam-distilled from the distinctive double-lobed leaves of Citrus hystrix (kaffir lime), presenting as almost colourless to light yellow. Distinctly different in composition and character from kaffir lime rind oil, the leaf oil is dominated by citronellal (up to 80%) — giving it a powerful, crisp, intensely fresh citrusy-green, lemon-lime floral character that is unique and highly prized in Southeast Asian aromatherapy, haircare, and personal care formulations.
In Malaysian and Thai traditional practice, kaffir lime leaves are a household staple — used in cooking, cleansing rituals, hair treatments, and spiritual purification — making this oil deeply familiar and culturally resonant for ASEAN consumers.
Applications:
- Haircare (scalp clarifying and refreshing treatments, traditional Malaysian hair care)
- Aromatherapy (uplifting, purifying, and mentally refreshing diffuser blends)
- Personal Care (refreshing deodorants, skin-clarifying toners, ritual cleansing products)
- Fine Fragrance (distinctive fresh citrus-green note in Asian-inspired fragrances)
Key Features & Benefits:
- Almost colourless to light yellow – authentic kaffir lime leaf essential oil
- No animal substance – suitable for vegan and Halal-compliant formulations
- High citronellal – powerful natural insect-repelling and cleansing properties
- Intensely fresh citrusy-green aroma uniquely associated with Southeast Asian cuisine and culture
- Strong Malaysian and ASEAN consumer familiarity and cultural resonance
A citronellal oil
Kaffir lime leaf oil is dominated by citronellal, the same aldehyde that leads Citronella Oil and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, with smaller amounts of citronellol and linalool. That explains its intense green-lemon character, and it also explains its handling: citronellal is an aldehyde that oxidises and can react in some bases, and it can convert to other compounds in acidic products. Citronellal content is the main quality marker. The rind gives a different oil, Kaffir Lime (Citrus Hystrix) Oil, so leaf oil should be specified by plant part.
Claims
Because citronellal-rich oils are often marketed as insect repellents, note that repellent claims on finished products are regulated as pesticide or biocide claims in many markets. The leaf oil can be used for its fresh odour and cultural resonance in haircare and personal care without such claims.
Storage and allergens
Store sealed, full, cool and dark. Citronellol and linalool are declarable fragrance allergens, so an allergen declaration and a current IFRA certificate are needed for the finished-product safety assessment.
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Species (Citrus hystrix) and plant part (leaves)
- GC profile with citronellal, citronellol and linalool quantified
- Physical constants: relative density, refractive index, optical rotation
- Declarable fragrance allergens and a current IFRA certificate
- Country of origin, batch number and date of manufacture
