56.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · skin conditioning agent · antimicrobial agent · aromatic agent
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Also known as: Geranium Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Pelargonium Oil
Category
essential oil
Bottom Line: Pelargonium graveolens oil is generally considered safe for topical use in cosmetics, though caution is advised for sensitive skin.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in diluted form
- applied to intact skin
- used in recommended amounts
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical medications
- you have allergies to related plants
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to geraniums
- you are using on broken skin
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are undergoing certain medical treatments
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, essential oil blends, soaps, lotions. Dilute before use to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Generally recognized as safe in small amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, aromatherapy products. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Supplement
Capsules, liquid extracts. Use under guidance of a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Pelargonium graveolens oil is generally well tolerated on the skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Pelargonium graveolens oil can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of the oil may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals, but is generally safe in low concentrations.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions; use with caution.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation; patch test recommended.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated but monitor for sensitivity.
- breastfeeding — Use cautiously; limited data available.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate Pelargonium graveolens oil well, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the safety of Pelargonium graveolens oil during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more susceptible to adverse effects; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects during breastfeeding; use cautiously. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity; monitor for adverse reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation; patch testing is essential. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Pelargonium graveolens oil is used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity and potential skin sensitization.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | >5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | Potential sensitizer | Human sensitization study | Caution advised for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2017) |
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
Pelargonium graveolens oil is used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity and potential skin sensitization.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics and food.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for cosmetic use with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the Safety of Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Safe for use as a food flavoring agent within specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Pelargonium graveolens oil is generally permitted for use in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU and UK. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS
Limited concentration in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS
Limited concentration in cosmetics
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes, but perform a patch test first to check for sensitivity.
It is typically safe in small amounts as a food flavoring, but consult a healthcare provider first.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-29T07:22:20.833451Z | — | 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.