Geranium Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Complete Guide

Geranium essential oil is aromatherapy's great balancer. It balances skin—neither too oily nor too dry. It balances emotions—neither too anxious nor too flat. It balances hormones—supporting equilibrium throughout the menstrual cycle. This versatile, rosy-scented oil offers a gentler alternative to expensive rose oil while delivering remarkable benefits in its own right.

Extracted from the leaves and stems of Pelargonium species (not the common garden geranium), this oil has been a staple in skincare and perfumery for centuries. Understanding its properties helps you harness its balancing potential for skin, emotions, and overall wellness.

Understanding Geranium Varieties

Several species of Pelargonium produce essential oils, with the most common being geranium and rose geranium. Despite different names, these are closely related and often used interchangeably.

Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium/Rose Geranium)

The primary species used in aromatherapy, producing an oil with a strong rosy-floral scent with herbaceous undertones.

Characteristics:

• Scent: Rosy, floral, slightly herbaceous, green undertones
• Key compounds: Citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate
• Origin: Egypt, Morocco, China, Réunion Island
• Best for: Skincare, emotional balance, general aromatherapy

Bourbon Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens from Réunion)

Geranium from Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon) is considered premium quality with a more refined scent profile.

Characteristics:

• Scent: Sweeter, more rose-like, less herbaceous
• Quality: Considered the finest geranium oil
• Price: Premium due to limited production
• Best for: Perfumery, luxury skincare, premium blends

Egyptian vs. Chinese Geranium

Egyptian: Often considered superior for aromatherapy, with a more complex scent profile and higher citronellol content.

Chinese: More affordable, slightly more herbaceous, still therapeutic but with less refined fragrance.

Research-Backed Benefits

Skin Health and Balance

Geranium's reputation in skincare has scientific foundation:

Sebum regulation: Research indicates geranium helps balance sebum production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin conditions. The astringent properties tighten pores without overdrying.

Anti-inflammatory action: Studies show geranium compounds reduce inflammation, beneficial for acne, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Wound healing: Traditional use for wound care has research support, with geranium demonstrating both antimicrobial and tissue-regenerating properties.

Aging skin: The antioxidant compounds help protect against oxidative damage, while astringent properties may help firm aging skin.

Hormonal Balance

Like clary sage, geranium is associated with hormone support:

Menstrual regulation: Traditional use for irregular or painful periods has some research backing, though more studies are needed.

Menopausal support: A 2017 study found that geranium aromatherapy massage improved depression in menopausal women compared to control groups.

Mechanism: Geranium's compounds may interact with estrogen receptors, providing gentle hormone-modulating effects.

Emotional Balance and Anxiety

Research supports geranium's mood-balancing properties:

A 2015 study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found geranium aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Emotional regulation: Practitioners report geranium helps stabilize mood swings and emotional extremes, promoting a sense of equilibrium.

Antimicrobial Properties

Geranium demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity:

• Antibacterial: Effective against various pathogenic bacteria
• Antifungal: Research shows activity against Candida and other fungi
• Applications: Natural deodorant, wound care, household cleaning

Insect Repellent

The citronellol content (also found in citronella) makes geranium an effective mosquito repellent:

Research findings: Studies confirm geranium oil repels mosquitoes, though it requires more frequent reapplication than DEET products.

How to Use Geranium Essential Oil Safely

Diffusion

Geranium's pleasant, rosy scent works well alone or in blends. Add 4-5 drops to your diffuser.

Emotional balance blend:

• 3 drops geranium
• 2 drops lavender
• 2 drops bergamot

Hormone-supporting blend:

• 3 drops geranium
• 2 drops clary sage
• 2 drops ylang ylang

Uplifting floral blend:

• 3 drops geranium
• 2 drops grapefruit
• 1 drop rose (if available) or 2 drops more geranium

Diffuse for 30-60 minutes as needed.

Topical Application

Geranium is generally well-tolerated and considered one of the safer oils for skin application.

Standard dilutions:

• Facial skincare: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce carrier)
• Body care: 2-3% (12-18 drops per ounce carrier)
• Massage: 2% (12 drops per ounce carrier)
• Children (6+ years): 1% (6 drops per ounce carrier)

Best carrier oils:

• Jojoba (all skin types)
• Rosehip (anti-aging)
• Sweet almond (massage)
• Argan (dry skin)

Facial Skincare Application

For balanced, healthy skin:

1. Add 6-8 drops geranium to 1 oz facial oil (jojoba or rosehip)
2. Apply 3-4 drops to clean, damp skin
3. Use morning and/or evening
4. The balancing properties work for most skin types

Natural Deodorant Use

Geranium's antimicrobial properties and pleasant scent make it excellent for natural deodorants:

1. Add to DIY deodorant recipes
2. Mix 10 drops geranium per tablespoon coconut oil for simple underarm application
3. Combine with tea tree for enhanced antibacterial action

DIY Geranium Recipes

Balancing Facial Serum

For all skin types, especially combination skin:

• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 8 drops geranium essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops frankincense essential oil

Combine in a dark glass dropper bottle. Apply 3-4 drops to clean, damp face morning and evening.

Hormone-Balancing Massage Oil

For menstrual and menopausal support:

• 2 oz sweet almond oil
• 12 drops geranium essential oil
• 8 drops clary sage essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Combine in a bottle. Massage into abdomen, lower back, and inner wrists. Use throughout the month for hormone support, increasing frequency during PMS.

Rose-Like Perfume Blend

An affordable alternative to rose perfume:

• 10ml roller bottle
• Jojoba oil (to fill)
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 4 drops palmarosa essential oil
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Add essential oils to roller bottle, fill with jojoba. Apply to pulse points. Allow to meld for one week before use for best scent development.

Natural Bug Repellent

Effective mosquito protection:

• 4 oz witch hazel
• 1 oz fractionated coconut oil
• 20 drops geranium essential oil
• 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus citriodora essential oil

Combine in a spray bottle. Shake before use. Apply to exposed skin every 2-3 hours when outdoors.

Toning Facial Mist

For refreshing and balancing skin:

• 4 oz rose hydrosol (or distilled water)
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

Combine in a glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Mist over clean face before applying moisturizer or throughout the day to refresh.

Soothing Body Lotion

For dry or mature skin:

• 4 oz unscented natural lotion
• 20 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops frankincense essential oil

Add essential oils to lotion and mix thoroughly. Apply after bathing for moisturized, lightly scented skin.

Buying Guide: Choosing Quality Geranium Oil

Origin Selection

Choose based on your needs and budget:

• Bourbon (Réunion): Premium quality, finest scent, highest price
• Egyptian: Excellent quality, complex scent, good value
• Chinese: Budget-friendly, slightly more herbaceous, still therapeutic

Quality Indicators

1. Botanical name: Should state "Pelargonium graveolens" or species
2. Origin clearly stated: Country or region of production
3. Color: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow
4. Scent: Rosy-floral with green undertones (not harsh or synthetic)
5. GC/MS testing: Should show high citronellol content (25-40%)

Price Expectations

• Bourbon Geranium: $20-35 per 10ml
• Egyptian Geranium: $12-20 per 10ml
• Chinese Geranium: $8-15 per 10ml

What to Avoid

• Generic "geranium" without species or origin
• Very cheap prices (may be adulterated)
• Harsh, artificial, or overly sweet smell
• Oil from common garden geraniums (different species)

Storage Tips

• Store in dark glass away from heat and light
• Shelf life is 3-4 years when stored properly
• The scent may deepen slightly with age
• Refrigeration not required but won't harm the oil

Geranium vs. Rose: A Comparison

Geranium is often called "poor man's rose," but this undersells its unique value:

When to choose geranium: Daily skincare, practical aromatherapy, budget-conscious blending, balancing needs.

When to choose rose: Special occasions, luxury blends, deep emotional work, when only authentic rose will do.

Blending tip: Adding 1-2 drops of rose to a geranium blend creates a more rose-like effect at a fraction of the cost.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Victorian Fragrance Gardens

Victorian-era gardens featured scented geraniums prominently, with numerous cultivars bred for specific fragrances—rose, lemon, mint, and more. Leaves were used to scent linens and rooms.

Traditional African Medicine

In South Africa, native Pelargonium species have been used traditionally for respiratory infections. This led to the development of "umckaloabo" (Pelargonium sidoides) extract, now used worldwide for cold and bronchitis.

Perfumery History

Geranium has been a perfumery staple since the 19th century, valued both for its own scent and as a rose extender. Many "rose" perfumes contain significant geranium.

Modern Aromatherapy

Today, geranium is considered one of the essential "core" oils that every aromatherapist should have, valued for its safety, versatility, and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is geranium a good substitute for rose oil?

Geranium provides a rose-like scent at a fraction of the cost and offers its own therapeutic benefits. While not identical to rose, it's an excellent choice when budget is a concern or when the specific benefits of geranium (balancing, astringent) are desired.

Can geranium help with acne?

Yes, geranium's antibacterial and sebum-balancing properties make it helpful for acne-prone skin. It's gentle enough for facial use and helps regulate oil production without overdrying.

Is geranium safe during pregnancy?

While geranium is generally considered one of the safer oils, its potential hormone-modulating effects warrant caution during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use.

Why does geranium help with hormones?

Geranium contains compounds that may interact with estrogen receptors, providing gentle hormone-modulating effects. This is why it's traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal support, though it's milder than clary sage.

What's the difference between geranium and rose geranium?

In aromatherapy, these terms are often used interchangeably, both referring to Pelargonium graveolens. "Rose geranium" emphasizes the rose-like scent but is the same species. Always check the botanical name to be sure.

Can I use geranium as insect repellent?

Yes, geranium's high citronellol content makes it effective against mosquitoes and other insects. It's gentler on skin than citronella but requires more frequent reapplication. Combine with lemongrass and eucalyptus citriodora for enhanced effectiveness.

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Last updated: December 30, 2025. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils therapeutically.