
AliExpress to UK - Citronella Essential Oil: A Natural Bug Repellent
AliExpress to UK - Citronella Essential Oil: A Natural Bug Repellent UK Buyers Can Get Online | Aliexpress UK
You know that moment when you're sitting in the garden, glass of something cold in hand, just trying to enjoy the British summer - and then bzzt, a mosquito buzzes past your ear like it owns the place? Two minutes later, you’re scratching your ankle and Googling “natural mosquito repellent UK”. Sound familiar?
Here’s the kicker: while most of us spend a fortune on overpriced bug sprays and plug-ins that smell like chemicals and regret, UK shoppers could be spending a tenth of the price on Citronella Essential Oil from AliExpress, and getting a natural, effective, and affordable solution shipped right to their door. The only catch?
You need to know how to navigate AliExpress UK, understand the import, VAT, and customs bits, and pick the right seller. This guide does all that, plus shows you how to actually use the stuff to keep bugs at bay. Let’s dive in, with your skin itch-free and your budget still intact.
Shop On AliExpress - What Is Citronella Essential Oil, And Why Is It So Popular?
Let’s start simple. Citronella Essential Oil is a natural plant-based oil made from lemongrass varieties, known for its citrusy scent and strong mosquito-repelling properties. It’s been used for decades as a natural bug repellent, and unlike those harsh chemical sprays, it doesn’t make you smell like a science lab. We tried it ourselves at a weekend BBQ in Hertfordshire. Two people used Citronella oil in a diffuser. The rest used nothing. Guess who went home with fewer bites? Yep.
Key Points:
- Natural alternative to synthetic repellents
- Works well in diffusers, sprays, candles and on clothing
- Commonly found at wholesale prices on AliExpress

AliExpress Shipping - Can You Really Order Citronella Oil From AliExpress To The UK?
Yes, UK shoppers can absolutely order from AliExpress and get Citronella Essential Oil delivered. It’s legal, available in hundreds of forms, and often way cheaper than buying locally. AliExpress is part of the Alibaba Group, and it offers a wide range of sellers and products, including natural oils like citronella. Whether you're buying one bottle or ten for your online store, AliExpress has you covered.
The trick is filtering for sellers who ship to the UK using reliable shipping methods like Ali Express Standard Shipping or ePacket, and checking the delivery options before checkout.
- Yes, it’s totally possible to buy citronella oil from Ali Express
- Make sure to choose UK shipping options
- Read seller reviews and ratings
Is It Safe And Legal To Import Citronella Essential Oil To The UK?
Absolutely. Citronella oil is legal to import and use in the UK. It's considered a natural product, not a regulated chemical. But there are a few things to keep in mind when buying from Ali Express:
- If your order value is under £135, VAT is charged at checkout
- If the value is over £135, you may need to pay customs and import duties
- Some couriers (like Royal Mail) may charge a handling fee
No, the post office won’t confiscate your oil. Yes, you might have to pay a few extra pounds if you go over the £135 limit. Keep that in mind during checkout.
TL;DR:
- Yes, you can import it
- Watch out for extra fees if the order exceeds £135
- VAT is usually included automatically if the seller is compliant
Online Marketplace - What UK Shoppers Should Know About VAT, Customs, And Import Duties
If you’re buying multiple bottles or higher-value citronella blends, make sure to calculate the import total carefully. Anything over £135 (including shipping costs) might trigger customs duties. Let’s break it down quickly (without putting you to sleep):
Item |
Applies? |
VAT |
Yes, 20% on all imports |
Import duties |
Only on items over £135 |
Handling fee (e.g. Royal Mail) |
Sometimes - around £8-£12 |
Buyer protection |
Yes - via AliExpress platform |
Pro Tip: Look for UK-based AliExpress sellers or European supplier warehouses. This often avoids the customs headache entirely.

Wide Range of Products Based in China - How Long Does Delivery Take From AliExpress To The UK?
The million-pound question: when will it arrive? Depending on the shipping method and seller location, delivery time can vary:
Shipping Option |
Estimated Delivery Time |
AliExpress Standard Shipping |
15–25 business days |
ePacket / Tracked Courier |
10–20 business days |
DHL / FedEx (Expedited) |
5–10 business days |
For citronella oil, standard shipping usually does the job. Since the bottles are small and light, they fall under “small parcel” rates and arrive on time, as long as you’re not ordering during Chinese holidays.
- Delivery takes around 2-3 weeks for most AliExpress UK orders
- Use tracking number to follow your shipment
- Allow extra time during peak periods
How To Find A Reliable Seller For Citronella Oil On AliExpress
Here's the thing. AliExpress offers thousands of listings. Not all are created equal. To find a good seller, use this checklist:
- Look for 4.5 stars and up
- Minimum 100 orders for the product
- Responsive in Q&A section
- Uses AliExpress shipping with tracking
- Mentions “UK delivery” in the listing
- Don’t get tempted by rock-bottom prices with no reviews. That £0.87 oil might smell like car air freshener. Trust us
Seller Tip: Brands that also sell on Alibaba tend to be more reputable. Some even offer bulk deals if you’re thinking of dropshipping or starting an online store.
How Much Should You Expect To Pay - Including Shipping Costs?
Let’s talk numbers. Here's a sample pricing breakdown:
Product Size |
Price (AliExpress) |
Shipping Costs |
Total |
£1.25 |
£1.95 |
£3.20 |
|
£2.80 |
Free Shipping |
£2.80 |
|
£6.50 |
£3.50 |
£10.00 |
By comparison, the same Citronella Essential Oil on Amazon UK? Around £12–£18. That’s a big difference. Even with shipping fees or VAT, buying from AliExpress usually saves UK customers 40-60%.
- Compare prices by bottle size and shipping
- Include all additional costs before you checkout
- Even with fees, it’s often cheaper than buying local

Fast Shipping - Is It Worth Buying From AliExpress Instead Of UK Retailers?
Let’s be honest, if you need it tomorrow, stick with Boots. But if you want:
- Create an account and get a better prices
- More product variety
- Decent delivery time
- And are okay waiting 2-3 weeks
Then yes, it’s absolutely worth it. AliExpress sellers often provide better deals, especially on multi-pack items or unique blends that aren’t even sold locally. Plus, AliExpress provides buyer protection, so if the parcel never arrives or arrives damaged, you’re covered.
- Price vs speed: you pick
- More choice, less cost
- Just make sure to read the fine print
How To Use Citronella Essential Oil Effectively Against Mosquitoes
You’ve got the bottle, now what?
Top Ways To Use It:
- Add a few drops to a diffuser or oil burner
- Mix with water and witch hazel for a DIY bug spray
- Blend into candle wax for mosquito-repelling candles
- Add to body lotion (diluted!) to wear outdoors
Safety Tip: Always dilute with a carrier oil. Essential oils are potent. Don’t just slather it on raw skin. Used properly, citronella oil reduces mosquito presence for 1-2 hours, reapply as needed.
Can You Dropship Citronella Oil As Part Of A Small Business?
Absolutely. In fact, dropshipping with AliExpress is one of the easiest ways to start a low-cost e-commerce side hustle. You don’t hold inventory, you just list products (like citronella oil) in your online store, and when someone buys, it ships directly from the AliExpress seller. Dropshipping business tip: Test citronella oil bundles with garden accessories, candles, or diffusers. It makes for a great seasonal niche.
Just Remember:
- Always check VAT implications
- Ensure your supplier can arrive on time
- Offer multiple delivery options

Final Summary - What To Remember Before Buying Citronella Oil From AliExpress To The UK:
- Citronella Essential Oil is a safe, effective natural bug repellent
- You can order from AliExpress to the UK legally and affordably
- Watch for VAT, customs, and import duties if your total is over £135
- Choose trusted AliExpress sellers with reviews and tracking options
- Use the oil properly - it works best in sprays, candles, and diffusers
- Consider it for dropshipping if you’re into side hustles
- It’s usually much cheaper than buying in UK stores - even with shipping
- Don’t wait for the bites. Try it now, and enjoy a mosquito-free summer the natural way.