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What is "Geraniol" and what is its use?

What is "Geraniol" and what is its use?

When examining the full list of ingredients in a skincare product, you may come across geraniol. This active ingredient is naturally present in certain essential oils. Known for its light and gentle rose scent, geraniol is suitable for adding a rose fragrance to skincare products without using a synthetic perfume.

Summary
Published November 17, 2021, updated on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min read

What is "Geraniol"?

Geraniol, also known as rhodinol, belongs to the family of monoterpenic alcohols. These are similar to phenol alcohols, except they do not present their drawbacks. Geraniol is in the form of a colorless liquid and emits a slight rose fragrance. In Cympobogon Winterianus Jowitt, it results from a fractional distillation of the plant. This technique allows for the removal of impurities without the use of a chemical process.

Furthermore, geraniol is naturally present in certain plants, including:

  • The apple;

  • The thyme;

  • The bergamot;

  • The coriander;

  • The blueberry;

  • The jasmine;

  • Lavender.

It is also found in essential oils of geranium and lemongrass, in beer, as well as acacia oil. This monoterpenic alcohol has the following properties:

  • Bactericidal;

  • Fungicide ;

  • Virucidal;

  • Immunomodulatory;

  • Neurotonic;

  • Sedative;

  • Antispasmodic.

In the cosmetic industry, you can encounter geraniols of natural origin and geraniols of synthetic origin.

What is the usefulness of "Geraniol"?

Geraniol is a natural active ingredient appreciated for its sweet rose scent. It is used by numerous manufacturers:

  • In the cosmetic industry, it is used in the design of toilet waters, soaps, lip balms, toothpastes, foundations, and hair lotions.

  • In the pharmaceutical industry: you can find it in ointments and contact lens cleaners.

  • In food products: this active ingredient is deemed by the WHO as a "food additive with no particular hazards". In this sector, it primarily acts as a flavoring agent. You can find it in cloves, caramels, ice creams, and candies.

Substances with aromatic or fragrant properties are considered potential allergens. The INCI declaration does not indicate whether the manufacturer used an essential oil, a synthetic substance, or an isolated component. Therefore, all these active ingredients are subject to the same INCI nomenclature. Thus, geraniol is listed in the INCI list of potentially allergenic ingredients. However, synthetic geraniols are more allergenic than those of natural origin.

The "Geraniol" naturally found in Typology skincare products

At Typology, we offer several treatments containing minute amounts of geraniol. However, these are molecules naturally present in essential oils, not synthetically derived geraniol. Our treatments do not contain any synthetic fragrances.

  • The botanical firming blend with prickly pear;

  • The botanical blend radiance with white rose;

  • The purifying botanical mist with organic lemon balm;

  • The antioxidant botanical mist with green tea;

  • The firming night mask with organic prickly pear oil;

  • The invigorating body scrub with green coffee macerate.

In all instances, when allergens are contained in our skincare products, this information is always mentioned on the product's page.

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