Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil

Also known as: Geranium Essential Oil

INCI: Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil | Function: Fragrance, Antimicrobial, Astringent | Type: Essential Oil

What Is Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil?

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is steam-distilled geranium essential oil from the flowering tops of rose geranium. Its main constituents include citronellol, geraniol, and linalool, which give it a sweet, rosy fragrance. In skincare, it is valued for its astringent, balancing, and antimicrobial properties, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Sebum regulation — helps balance oily and combination skin
+ Astringent — tones and tightens pores
+ Antimicrobial — citronellol and geraniol inhibit acne-causing bacteria
+ Aromatherapeutic — rose-like scent provides calming effects

Pros

+ Natural essential oil with antimicrobial efficacy
+ Versatile — used in skincare, haircare, and aromatherapy
+ Well-researched botanical with documented benefits
+ Renewable and sustainably cultivable

Cons

− Essential oil — must be diluted; can irritate undiluted
− Potential allergen — citronellol and geraniol are EU fragrance allergens
− Phototoxic at very high concentrations (rare)
− Pregnancy caution — some essential oils advised against

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	2-3/5
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Face oil / serum	0.1 - 0.5%
Moisturizer	0.05 - 0.3%
Body oil / massage oil	0.5 - 2%

References

CosIng (2025) — Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Geranium Oil score 2. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
PubMed — Boukhatem et al. (2013) Rose geranium essential oil. PMID: 23847874
Tisserand & Young (2013) Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

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