Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil
What is it?
Geranium oil is an essential oil and fragrance widely used in perfumes, soaps, detergents,and personal care products.
How can I avoid it?
You should avoid contact with this substance. Avoidance requires reading labels, package inserts, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and, on occasion, direct communication with the manufacturer.
It can be difficult to avoid fragrances and flavoring agents such as geranium oil since so many everyday products contain these substances. One should use only fragrance-free cosmetic and household products. “Unscented” products may contain low levels of a fragrance to cover up an undesirable odor and should also be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance.
Since fragrances are complex mixtures of many ingredients, an individual may tolerate one fragrance but not another. A trial-and-error method of avoiding a fragrance allergen in a product can be performed by applying the product to the forearm in the same small area twice a day for a week. If no dermatitis develops, the product may likely be used safely.
Although it is rare, since some fragrances are also flavorings, foods can sometimes cause flare-ups of dermatitis in fragrance-sensitive individuals. If your healthcare provider has diagnosed that you have oral or lip allergies to flavorings, it would be best to avoid foods prepared with geranium oil.
Uses:
- Perfumes/Colognes/After-shaves/Toilet water
- Essential oil (topical and aromatherapy)
- Skincare products/Cosmetics
- Antiperspirants/Deodorants
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions
- Hair colorants/“Permanents-relaxers”
- Make-ups
- Moisturizers
- Powders/Sprays
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Shaving products
- Soaps/Cleansers
- Sunscreens and self-tanners
- Topical medications (prescription and over-the-counter) such as
- Anesthetics
- Antiseptics
- Creams, ointments, solutions
- Foot and other powders
- Household products
- Air fresheners/Aromatherapy/Potpourri
- Cleaning products/Soaps/Detergents (A preferred household cleaner for fragrance-sensitive individuals is dilute white vinegar.)
- Furniture polish
- Laundry care (detergent, softeners)
- Foods, candies, gums, beverages, various, as a flavoring or spice
- Oral care products as a flavoring
- Cough mixtures
- Toothpaste/Mouthwash
- Throat tablets and lozenges
Other names for geranium oil:
- Pelargonium graveolens stem leaf oil
- Rose geranium
- Geraniol
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
Other fragrances/flavorings
