Focusing on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol under visible light, the synthesized lanthanum orthoferrites (LaFeO 3 ) by gel combustion method using citric acid as sacrificial agent were investigated. With the highest reaction temperature of 200 °C, the physicochemical properties of synthesized samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS). On the other hand, UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis was carried out to determine the phenol photodegradation activities and mechanism. The results suggested the well-defined LaFeO 3 nanocrystals with specific area of 28 m 2 g −1 were successfully synthesized. Besides that, variations in operating parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage and initial concentration of phenol in synthetic wastewater were also examined. In conclusion, LaFeO 3 nanocrystalline exhibited an exceptional photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation, thus providing a perfect alternative for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.