Essential Oil of Rose Geranium: What are the Properties for the Skin?

The essential oil of rose geranium could potentially have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study, Maamar MEKARNIA and his colleagues sought to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of rose geranium essential oil when applied topically in vivo. To do this, the oil was applied topically at two different doses (5 or 10 μL) on mice and its effect was observed on ear edemas.

The results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in ear edema. Topical application at doses of 5 to 10 μL per ear resulted in an inhibition of 73 and 88% of ear edema, respectively. Moreover, an increase in skin thickness is often the first sign of local inflammation, indicative of the processes occurring during skin inflammation, including increased vascular permeability, swelling in the dermis, and proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. In this study, treatment with rose geranium essential oil (200 or 400 mL/kg) led to reductions in the thickness of the edema by 0.19 and 0.15 mm, respectively.

Several studies demonstrate that rose geranium is capable of reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, and thromboxane B2. Therefore, through its direct action on these mediators, we can affirm that rose geranium essential oil is capable of soothing skin inflammatory reactions.

The essential oil of rose geranium can also be used for its antioxidant properties. Petar D. MARIN and his team sought to describe the antioxidant activity of rose geranium essential oil. The antioxidant action and the radical scavenging power were evaluated by the DPPH test, which measures the ability of an antioxidant to reduce the chemical radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH°) through hydrogen transfer.

The DPPH°, initially purple, transforms into DPPH-H, a pale yellow. The essential oil of rose geranium was able to reduce DPPH radicals to DPPH-H form and this activity is dose-dependent. The oil demonstrated antioxidant activity and reduced DPPH by 50% at a concentration of 0.802 mg/mL of oil solution.

Free radicals are produced during oxidative stress (tobacco, pollution, UV rays, etc.), and are responsible for the degradation of dermal fibers such as collagen and elastin, leading to the loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Overall, free radicals accelerate skin aging. It is then understood that rose geranium essential oil could potentially slow down this skin aging by stabilizing free radicals through the transfer of a hydrogen atom.

Finally, rose geranium essential oil could potentially enhance wound healing. In a study conducted by Mohsen BEKHRADI and his colleagues, the effectiveness of a herbal formulation containing essential oils of Oliveria decumbens and Pelargonium graveolens (0.1 mL) was evaluated against skin wound infections related to S. aureus in mice. Histological examinations showed that this cream improved wound healing and increased collagen deposition and wound contraction. Therefore, it boosts the proliferation of skin cells.

These effects can be attributed to rose geranium essential oil. Indeed, several studies have shown that geranium oil may have restorative effects and could be beneficial for the healing of wounds and abscesses. This is achieved through theincrease in collagen migration to the damaged site and through the enhancement of cellular renewal, but also due to its antimicrobial properties to limit wound infection, the topical application of rose geranium essential oil could promote better healing.