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What is "Geraniol" and what is its use?

What is "Geraniol" and what is its use?

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

Summary
Published November 17, 2021, updated on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 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 colourless liquid and emits a faint rose fragrance. In Cympobogon Winterianus Jowitt, it results from a fractional distillation of the plant. This technique allows the removal of impurities without the use of a chemical process.

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

  • The apple;

  • Thyme;

  • The bergamot;

  • The coriander;

  • The bilberry;

  • The jasmine;

  • Lavender.

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

  • Bactericidal;

  • Fungicide ;

  • Virucidal;

  • Immunomodulatory;

  • Neurotonic;

  • Sedative;

  • Antispasmodic.

In the cosmetic industry, you may 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 flavouring agent. You can find it in cloves, caramels, ice creams, and sweets.

Substances with aromatic or fragrant properties are considered potential allergens. The INCI declaration does not indicate whether the manufacturer has 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 quantities of geraniol. However, these are molecules naturally present in essential oils, not synthetically derived geraniol. Our treatments do not contain any synthetic fragrances.

Here are some examples of Typology skincare products that contain geraniol:

  • The botanical tensing 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 toning body scrub with green coffee macerate.

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

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