Geranium Essential Oil

Pelargonium graveolens

At a Glance

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens
Botanical Family: Geraniaceae
Plant Part Used: Leaves
Extraction Method Used: Steam-distillation
Country of Origin: Egypt
Perfumery Note: Middle

Scent Profile

Geranium essential oil is known for its rosy, green, and herbaceous aroma, though its character can shift gently depending on where it is grown. Some types are leafier and greener, while others are softer, sweeter, or more floral. Its overall presence feels balanced, fresh, and quietly uplifting.

Botanical Description

Geranium is a bushy, aromatic perennial subshrub native to southern Africa. It typically reaches about 3 feet in height and is known for its softly hairy, toothed leaves and clusters of small pink flowers. It belongs to the genus Pelargonium, a group of around 220 species.

Traditional Aromatic Background

First distilled from the leaves in 1819, geranium became an important material in perfumery and fragrant body care. It was often chosen as a more accessible alternative to rose and is still widely used in perfumes, soaps, creams, and lotions.

Botanical Fun Facts

  • It takes roughly 14–20 grams of fresh geranium herb to make just one drop of essential oil.

  • Geranium’s scent can vary depending on the variety, harvest stage, and distillation process.

  • Geranium has long been included in outdoor aromatic blends for its fresh, rosy-green character.

  • Geranium oil is typically distilled in about four hours.

  • In Mexico, geranium is commonly called geranio. The aromatic type used for essential oil is often known as geranio de olor

  • Geranium is more than a pretty floral note — it plays an important role in our Buzz Off botanical outdoor aromatherapy line, where it brings a rosy-green softness to a fresh herbal outdoor blend.

    Explore the Buzz Off  botanical outdoor aromatherapy line

How it's Often Enjoyed

Geranium is often enjoyed in botanical perfumes, body oils, bath blends, room sprays, linen sprays, and outdoor aromatic blends. Its rosy-green floral note brings balance, softness, and a fresh herbal lift to natural formulations. Geranium is also one of the key botanicals behind our Buzz Off Botanical Outdoor Aromatherapy line, where it softens and anchors the fresh herbal outdoor blend. Explore our Buzz Off Botanical Outdoor Aromatherapy line

A Note on Safe Use

For external use only. Do not ingest. Dilute before topical use unless otherwise directed for the specific product. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Consult a qualified professional before using if pregnant, nursing, or under medical care.

Special Safety Notes

Geranium essential oil is generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing. In rare cases, skin reactions may occur in especially sensitive individuals. No known contraindications. Source: Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. p. 325.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to help preserve freshness and aromatic character.