Lemon essential oil is the scent of a freshly cut lemon, bottled. Bright, sharp and clean, it is the classic open-a-window oil – the fastest way to make a room feel fresh.

What lemon smells like

Pure, zesty citrus – sharp and sunny, with that unmistakable clean tang. It is the most straightforward of the citrus oils: crisp, bright and uncomplicated.

Simple ways to use it

• Diffuse it for an instant fresh, lifting scent – 4 to 6 drops.
• Add it to homemade cleaning sprays for a clean, natural scent.
• Deodorise a room with a few drops in a spray bottle of water.

Like other citrus oils, lemon can make skin more sun-sensitive, so keep treated skin out of direct sun, or stick to diffusing and rinse-off uses. Patch test and avoid the eyes.

What lemon pairs with

• With peppermint for a cool, bright, wake-up blend.
• With lavender for a fresh, soft, clean scent.
• With pine for a crisp, outdoorsy lift.

Lemon is the easiest oil to love and the easiest to blend. See the whole collection in the shop, or read about scent families.