Updated 29 January 2024

Botanical characteristics

• Kingdom: Plantae 
• Division: Magnoliophyta 
• Class: Magnoliopsida 
• Order: Geraniales 
• Family: Geraniaceae 
• Genus: Pelargonium
• Part used: Leaves
• Country of origin: Madagascar, Reunion

Precautions for use

Geranium essential oil is not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by babies.

However, pregnant women over the age of 3 months may use it cutaneously, but in a diluted form and only on medical prescription.

It can be used without risk to the respiratory tract, by topical application and by ingestion, but with dilution and dosage to be respected, as geranium essential oil is irritating to the skin.

It is also high in allergenic components (up to 60% citronellol, linalool and geraniol), which makes it allergenic.

Other precautions

Warning:

• People with asthma or epilepsy should seek medical advice before use.

Cutaneous use:

• Geranium essential oil is irritating to the skin and should be diluted to 20% in vegetable oil (20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil) before use on the skin.
• Diluted dermal use is possible for pregnant women over 3 months under medical advice.

Diffusion:

• Pregnant women and babies can use this essential oil in air diffusers.

Allergenic components:

Geranium essential oil contains several high-dose allergenic biochemical components:

• citronellol (18 to 30%)
• geraniol (9 to 17%)
• linalool (3 to 15%)
• citral (geranial + neral) (≤2%)
• limonene (≤0.5%)

Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).

Authorised users

Risks of use

  Allergic

 Skin irritation