6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · antimicrobial agent · insect repellent
Geraniol
Also known as: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, Rose oil alcohol, Citronellol
Molecular Formula
C10H18O
Molecular Weight
154.25 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Geraniol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products with multiple fragrance ingredients
- applying to areas with compromised skin
- consuming in large quantities
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to geraniol or related compounds
- you have a history of skin irritation from fragrances
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- using in high concentrations in household products
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -15.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 229.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.8894 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, soaps. Generally safe in low concentrations; check for allergies.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring; adhere to regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; monitor for skin reactions.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin contact.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Geraniol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of geraniol is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of geraniol is generally safe, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with geraniol can cause irritation and discomfort, requiring immediate rinsing.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin irritation and potential adverse reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe, but monitoring is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate geraniol well, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on geraniol's effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to geraniol; potential for skin irritation exists. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Geraniol is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but limited data exists. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from geraniol. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Geraniol is a fragrance compound with a good safety profile when used appropriately. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 3600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 2500 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Geraniol is a fragrance compound with a good safety profile when used appropriately. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food.
- Generally recognized as safe in regulated amounts.
- Potential allergen for sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Geraniol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Geraniol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Geraniol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Geraniol is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Geraniol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Geraniol is safe for use as a food flavoring agent within specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Geraniol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics limited to 1%
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics limited to 1%
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Geraniol may cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin. Patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with geraniol during pregnancy.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:56:22.240145Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.