Ingredient guide ›

Geraniol

A sweet floral scent.

What it does

Adds a sweet, rose-like smell. It's found naturally in rose and citronella oils.

Good to know

It's one of the EU's listed fragrance allergens, so it must be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Sensitive skin may react.

Often found in: Deodorants, Shower gels, Soaps

Around the world

• United States: No label rule yet. A 2022 law told the FDA to require fragrance allergen labels, but that rule isn't out. Source
• EU and UK: Must be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Source
• Canada: Must be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products (since April 2026). Source
• Australia: Controlled above 5% (Schedule 6). At 5% or less, no limit. Source

Sources

• SCCS opinion: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2012) (Independent)
• RIFM safety assessment: geraniol, update (2025) (Industry-funded)