Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is highly valued in skincare and has been a significant component of many Skyezone’s products. Until 2025 I didn't grow sufficient here at Skyezone and fortunately Eva & Warren at Tumbeela Native Bushfoods in the Adelaide hills traded our skincare for their flowering lemon myrtle leaves for me to distil. Fabulous!
It’s these properties which make lemon myrtle so valuable in skincare:
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Antimicrobial
The essential oil is rich in citral, which is known to possess powerful antimicrobial properties. This makes it effective in fighting against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microbes that can cause skin infections.
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Antioxidant
As a rich source of antioxidant terpenes and flavonoids, these can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are those unstable molecules which can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
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Anti-inflammatory
The oil contains compounds that can help to reduce skin inflammation, so can be beneficial for people with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
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Skin Toning
The astringent property of lemon myrtle can help to tone and tighten the skin, being especially useful for those with oily skin and helping to reduce the appearance of pores.
The distilling process used for Lemon Myrtle (as per olive leaf)
Lemon myrtle distillation produces both 100% pure essential oil & hydrosol (pure water imbibed with the properties of the essential oil) which contain the following key bioactive compounds (also known as phytochemicals helping to protect the body against degenerative ailments).
Key components of Lemon myrtle oil:
- Citral is the primary compound responsible for the lemony aroma of lemon myrtle essential oil, and provides its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. [Think Hand Repair]
- Geranial & Neral enhance its lemony scent, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial properties.
- Myrtucommulone is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to be effective against a range of inflammatory conditions. [Sore throat Spray]
- Linalool is a terpene alcohol that is present in many essential oils, including lemon myrtle. It provides additional anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory effects. [Lemon Myrtle Anywhere Spray]
These are just a few of the active botanicals found in lemon myrtle essential oil. There are even more which contribute to its health benefits! [Drink Herb Tea]
Overall, lemon myrtle essential oil can be a valuable addition to any skincare routine, but remember it is potent! Direct application to the skin of the essential oil or hydrosol will cause a burning sensation. Dilute it properly before applying it to your skin to avoid irritation or adverse reactions.
Skyezone current products containing lemon myrtle essential oil & hydrosol
- Hand Repair
- Body Butter
- Lemon Myrtle Anywhere (deodorise the car, rooms & linen etc.)
- Lip Balm - Lemon Myrtle
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Herbal Tea with Lemon Myrtle
Why not consider growing your own lemon myrtle tree? Even if you have little space, they can grow well in a tub and snipping off the leaves for tea will help it bush out and flourish.
Yours in skincare, Jennifer and the team at skyezone.net
