Pelargonium Graveolens Oil

Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oil is an essential oil used for fragrance at low concentrations, but it contains multiple volatile terpenes and allergenic constituents (e.g., citronellol, geraniol, linalool) that are well-documented triggers for irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in patch testing. In compromised skin (eczema, barrier disruption, post-procedure), even small amounts can sting and precipitate flares, and the sensitization risk accumulates with repeated leave-on use. Given its fragrance function and known allergen profile, I rate it as high irritation risk for sensitive populations. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare, Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oil is often used as a minor fragrance component or part of an essential-oil blend at trace levels (~0.0001–0.05%), and in scented rinse-off products it commonly appears around ~0.01–0.2%. Higher-strength consumer products marketed as “natural/essential oil” face oils, balms, and aromatherapeutic skin oils can reach ~0.5–2%, with a small number of body oils/spot-use products going up to ~5%; levels are practically constrained by sensitization/IFRA allergen labeling considerations and skin tolerance, especially for leave-on applications.