Rose Geranium Essential Oil: What should you know?

Pelargonium graveolens is a species of shrub from the Geraniaceae family. This name originates from the Greek pelargós (πελαργός), which means stork, as the shape of the fruit is similar to the beak of this bird. Native to Southern Africa, several hybridizations have been carried out, producing a great diversity of species: over 600 species are known worldwide today. Some of these are now used for the production of essential oils. They include the rose geranium, also known as bourbon geranium, because it originates from Réunion.

Theessential oil of rose geranium is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stems. It is widely used in the field of perfumery, its fragrant compounds presenting a scent similar to that of a rose. However,it is also used for its skin benefits: it purifies and soothes irritations. These benefits are provided by its unique biochemical composition.

Theessential oil of rose geranium can be used on the skin and hair by diluting two to three drops in a tablespoon of neutral vegetable oil. However, it is also found in cosmetic products such as creams, masks, scrubs, and shampoos. The recommended concentrations are 1 to 3%. It can also be consumed orally, at a rate of one to two drops in 250 g of food once a day. Its interesting properties are diverse.

• The essential oil of rose geranium possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties.

  Streptococcus , known to cause skin conditions such as skin erythema. We do not yet know how it is able to exert this activity, studies are underway to identify the mechanisms involved.

  It can also have an impact on the growth of fungi, particularly dermatophytes, which are fungi responsible for the appearance of mycoses on the skin and nails. This action would be linked to the geraniol and citronellol contained in rose geranium essential oil, which will affect the cellular membrane of the fungi.

• The essential oil of rose geranium soothes skin inflammation.

  The essential oil of rose geranium has anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, and thromboxane B2. Therefore, its topical application can decrease symptoms associated with inflammation, such as skin thickening and edema.

• The essential oil of rose geranium is a good antioxidant.

  Free radicals, produced in response to oxidative stress (tobacco, pollution, UV rays), can affect the fibers of the dermis such as collagen and elastin, thereby accelerating skin aging by altering the skin's elasticity and complexion. The essential oil of rose geranium, with its ability to stabilize these free radicals through hydrogen transfer, can then prevent their action, and thus prevent premature skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles for example.

• The essential oil of rose geranium improves wound healing.

  The topical application of rose geranium essential oil on a lesion can enhance its healing byincreasing the migration of collagen to the injured site and by theincrease in cell renewal. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties may contribute to this effect by limiting the risk of infection or reinfection.

• The essential oil of rose geranium could potentially affect the hair and scalp.

  No scientific study has proven the effects of this essential oil on hair. However, assumptions can be made, considering the previously stated benefits. Indeed, its anti-inflammatory properties may affect scalp irritations, in order to limit associated redness and itching. Moreover, its antioxidant capacity may prevent the early onset of gray hair, a phenomenon associated with the oxidation of hair pigments.