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Skincare Ingredient

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Geraniol

In Skincare: Is Geraniol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
3/5 — Moderate risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
4/5 — High risk

Safety Information

Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin irritation/sensitization. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has determined it is safe for use in cosmetics at current levels, but individuals with sensitive skin may experience allergic reactions.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Geraniol is a naturally occurring fragrance component found in geranium and other plants. While it has the potential to cause skin sensitivity, its limited ability to penetrate the skin reduces this risk when used in low concentrations. To maintain product stability and minimize potential irritation, formulations should protect geraniol from air exposure to prevent oxidation.
Classifications
Fragrance: Synthetic and Natural
Irritant

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Geraniol is a naturally occurring fragrance compound found in oils like oil-of-rose, citronella oil, geranium essential oil, and lemon essential oil. It can also be produced synthetically. Chemically, it is a terpene alcohol with the formula 3,7-dimethyl-2,6 and 3,6-octadien-1- ol. It is a major component of oil-of-rose, palmarosa oil, and citronella oil (Java type), and is present in smaller amounts within geranium, lemon, and other essential oils.

Common Uses

Formulation in Geraniol

Geraniol is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient due to its characteristic scent.

Role of Geraniol

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

TONIC

Revitalizer

Refreshes and revitalizes skin

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Tonic ingredients provide invigorating, refreshing, and revitalizing benefits through astringent properties, vasoconstrictive effects, or sensory stimulation. May include alcohol, witch hazel, citrus extracts, and botanical toners. Mechanism involves temporary vasoconstriction creating fresh feeling, mild astringency tightening skin, and stimulation of nerve endings. Historically used to complete cleansing routine, remove residual impurities, refresh skin, and prepare for subsequent treatments.

Products

containing Geraniol

10376 formulations
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
Clarins · sunscreen
Revitalizing Treatment Softener
Revitalizing Treatment Softener
Shiseido · toning-essences
Fusskraft Red
Fusskraft Red
Gehwol · body-skincare

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2010, pages 18-23

[2]

Chemical Research in Toxicology, May 2007, pages 807-814

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Geraniol — common questions

What is Geraniol in skincare?

Geraniol is a clear to pale-yellow oil with a rose-like scent. It’s utilized as a fragrance ingredient and also appears in flavors mimicking fruits such as peach, raspberry, plum, citrus, watermelon, pineapple, and blueberry.

What does Geraniol do? / Functions of Geraniol?

Common functions: PERFUMING, TONIC.

What is the comedogenic rating of Geraniol? / Is Geraniol comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Geraniol has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Geraniol clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Geraniol safe for skin?
3 3/5 — Moderate risk

Geraniol has a safety rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 indicates moderate safety considerations. Note: Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin irritation/sensitization. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has determined it is safe for use in cosmetics at current levels, but individuals with sen

Is Geraniol good for sensitive skin?
4 4/5 — High risk

Geraniol has an irritancy rating of 4 out of 5. A rating of 4 means it has high irritation potential.

What are the side effects of Geraniol in skincare?

Known considerations: Fragrance allergen (EU-listed); can cause skin irritation/sensitization. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has determined it is safe for use in cosmetics at current levels, but individuals with sensitive skin may experience allergic reactions. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 4/5).

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