Geranium oil
Geranium oil suppliers and sourcing guide
Geranium oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves and stems of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens and its hybrids), grown in Egypt, China, South Africa and Reunion. It has a rosy, minty-green odor built mainly on citronellol and geraniol. Oils are traded by origin, such as Egyptian, Chinese and Bourbon, each with its own profile. It is used in fragrance, cosmetics, soaps and at low levels in food flavors.
- Also known as
- Pelargonium graveolens oil · Rose geranium oil · Pelargonium graveolens flower oil · Geranium Bourbon oil
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of geranium oil
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Egyptian geranium
The most common commercial origin, with a balanced rosy profile.
Chinese geranium
Higher in citronellol with a sharper, more lemony note; usually lower in cost.
Bourbon geranium
From Reunion or Madagascar, a premium origin with a fuller rose character.
Organic
Certified organic oil from organically grown plants.
Rose geranium absolute or rectified oil
Solvent-extracted absolute or redistilled oil for specific fragrance needs.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- GC-MS profile
- Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as citronellol, geraniol, linalool, citronellyl formate and isomenthone against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
- Physical constants
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
- Fragrance allergens
- Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.
- Adulteration screen
- Checks for added synthetic citronellol, geraniol or cheaper oils, sometimes with chiral GC.
- Pesticide residues
- Multi-residue screen by GC-MS/MS, important for organic claims and for oils from farmed crops.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Composition shifts with origin, season and distillation, so record origin and the GC-MS profile for each lot and keep a retained sample for odor comparison. Recalculate allergen declarations when you change lots.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists rose geranium oil with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists rose geranium essential oil from the leaf and flowering herb top of Pelargonium graveolens.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Geranium oil suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking geranium oil suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell geranium oil? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of geranium oil can brands buy?
Common forms include egyptian geranium, chinese geranium, bourbon geranium, organic and rose geranium absolute or rectified oil. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for geranium oil include?
Expect gC-MS profile, physical constants, fragrance allergens, adulteration screen and pesticide residues, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should geranium oil be stored?
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
What is the regulatory status of geranium oil?
21 CFR 182.20 lists rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists rose geranium oil with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists rose geranium essential oil from the leaf and flowering herb top of Pelargonium graveolens.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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