Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil
Geranium oil
Genuinely relevant for some people, or depends on dose and pH.
Also written as: Geranium Oil · Rose Geranium Oil · Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil · Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil
What it is
Geranium oil is distilled from the leaves and flowers of Pelargonium graveolens and its cultivars, with Bourbon and Egyptian types being the most common. It is typically 20 to 40% citronellol and 10 to 20% geraniol, which is why it smells like a green, minty rose. It is widely used as a cheaper stand-in for rose oil.
What it does well
Rose-like scent at a fraction of the cost of rose oil
A standard perfumery substitution. There is no established skincare benefit beyond the sensory one.
Strong evidence
Worth knowing
Contains two declared allergens at high levels
Because geranium oil is so rich in citronellol and geraniol, both of which are EU declared allergens that become more potent on oxidation, even modest amounts in a formula usually push those substances over the labelling threshold.
Matters most toPeople with a known allergy to geraniol, citronellol or fragrance mix I.
Where the EU stands
Labelling required
Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 added Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil to the declared fragrance-allergen list as Annex III entry 364. It must be named on the pack above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, in addition to its citronellol and geraniol content being declared separately.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III entry 364, as inserted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 · source ↗
