Rose Geranium Essential Oil, Organic, 10 ml

Organic Rose Geranium essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) from organic cultivation in northern Africa, and it is added to cosmetics as a fragrance component with a sweet, rosy scent and a minty undertone. Cosmetic makers use it mainly in products for oily and problem skin, where besides its fragrance it supports cleansing and the regulation of sebum, and in hair care, where it conditions the hair and adds shine. It is also suitable for soaps, bath salts, candles and diffusers. The oil is of cosmetic and food grade.

Fragrance and character

The scent is sweet, with a distinct rosy note complemented by a minty undertone. The colour of the oil ranges from light green to amber yellow, so in light or white products it may slightly affect the shade at higher usage rates.

Effects according to manufacturer data

The manufacturer states several cosmetic effects for this oil. These are the manufacturer’s claims, which are taken into account when formulating for oily and irritated skin:

• Soothing irritated skin – according to the manufacturer, the oil helps to reduce redness and supports a more even-looking complexion. It is therefore suitable for toners and light creams for skin prone to irritation.
• Antimicrobial action – the manufacturer associates it with a clearer complexion and with limiting unwanted bacteria on the skin. It is useful in anti-acne products and cleansing products.
• Cleansing and sebum regulation – it helps to remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin and hair. Together with the stated pore-minimising effect, it is suitable for cleansing gels, masks and toners for oily skin.
• Cooling and toning effect – it leaves a refreshing feeling on the skin. The manufacturer recommends it for after-sun soothing products and refreshing body sprays.
• Hair conditioning and shine – in hair oils, serums and masks, it supports a healthy scalp, conditions the hair and adds shine.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products, that is body oils, balms or massage blends, it is simply mixed into the oil phase. In toners, hydrosol sprays and other water-based products, it is added only after solubilisation with a suitable solubiliser, otherwise it separates on the surface.

It is added in the cooling phase or incorporated into the finished base afterwards. The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C, because the oil is a blend of volatile compounds and at higher temperatures part of the fragrance escapes.

The usage rate is governed by the IFRA limits for the individual product categories. The maximum concentrations for a specific category (for example face creams, deodorants, rinse-off products or candles) are given in the product parameters. The oil can be used in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Verified compatibility includes non-ionic surfactants, alcohol and a neutral pH environment. Check its behaviour in other systems, for example with anionic surfactants or at a markedly acidic or alkaline pH, in the finished formulation.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial toners, serums and creams for oily skin – the oil serves here as a fragrance component and at the same time supports cleansing and sebum regulation.
• Cleansing gels, shower gels and shampoos – verified compatibility with non-ionic surfactants and suitability for rinse-off products.
• Hair oils and masks – conditioning, shine and fragrance.
• Body oils, lotions and massage blends – anhydrous and emulsion systems, where the oil is easy to incorporate.
• Deodorants – the sweet rosy scent with a minty undertone can be used on its own or in a composition.
• Soaps, bath bombs and salts – the manufacturer lists them among the suitable categories. We have not yet verified its behaviour in cold process soap with our own test.
• Candles, diffusers and aromatherapy – candles have their own IFRA limit (category 12).

Good to know

The product is classified under the CLP Regulation and contains hazardous substances. It also contains one or more ingredients classified as CMR and one or more fragrance allergens under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which is reflected in the ingredient labelling of the finished product. Details on classification and safe handling are in the safety data sheet provided with the product.

The oil contains no preservatives, PEG, silicones or palm oil ingredients, and it is not obtained from endangered species. It contains no ingredients of animal origin, so it is also suitable for vegan formulations.

Frequently asked questions