Roll Call

“Geraniol?”Here!a rose-scented fragrance compound

FragrancePlant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

In personal care

Geraniol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in rose, geranium, and citronella oils, and it can also be made synthetically for use in fragrance.

Why it’s used

It contributes a sweet, rose-like scent and is a common building block in perfume compounds used across cosmetics and personal care products.

What the evidence says

Geraniol is one of the 26 fragrance substances the EU identified as a known contact allergen, meaning a meaningful minority of people can develop skin sensitization to it with repeated exposure. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has assessed it as safe for use in cosmetics at typical fragrance concentrations, while noting its allergenic potential.

Context

EU regulation requires geraniol to be listed by name on labels when present above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, specifically because of its allergy potential.

Rumors

  1. Geraniol is a skin irritant and sensitizer that causes allergic reactions in skincare.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Finally All Natural — a brand: sells natural skincare for sensitive skin
      How we know who this is
      • “Ariel is the founder of Finally All Natural, an innovative skincare company focused on holistic healing supported by science, which distinguishes itself by excluding a comprehensive list of natural ingredients due to concerns about their manufacturing processes.” (their page)
      • “At Finally All Natural, we set a higher standard in natural skincare with pure, effective formulas that nurture, nourish, and support your skin.” (their page)
  2. Geraniol penetrates the skin and causes irritation and skin-barrier disruption.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Russell Organics — a brand: sells luxury skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Russell Organics is a luxury skincare brand defined by purity, precision, and a clear understanding of the skin.” (their page)
  3. Geraniol is an immune-system toxicant (immunotoxic).

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Finally All Natural — a brand: sells natural skincare for sensitive skin
      How we know who this is
      • “Ariel is the founder of Finally All Natural, an innovative skincare company focused on holistic healing supported by science, which distinguishes itself by excluding a comprehensive list of natural ingredients due to concerns about their manufacturing processes.” (their page)
      • “At Finally All Natural, we set a higher standard in natural skincare with pure, effective formulas that nurture, nourish, and support your skin.” (their page)
  4. Geraniol is an antioxidant that protects skin from free-radical damage and premature ageing.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Kissed Earth — a brand: sells its own collagen, supplements, vitamins and skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Kissed Earth was born in August of 2019.” (their page)
      • “Today we have 33 products under the Kissed Earth umbrella spanning across collagen, supplements, vitamins, skincare, kids, and pets - every one a labour of love and an extension of the same strict principles we set out from the beginning.” (their page)
  5. Geraniol fights acne-causing bacteria and soothes inflammation, giving clearer skin.

    We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Kissed Earth — a brand: sells its own collagen, supplements, vitamins and skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Kissed Earth was born in August of 2019.” (their page)
      • “Today we have 33 products under the Kissed Earth umbrella spanning across collagen, supplements, vitamins, skincare, kids, and pets - every one a labour of love and an extension of the same strict principles we set out from the beginning.” (their page)