Rose Geranium Oil

Rose geranium oil is an essential oil extracted from various Pelargonium species but predominantly from Pelargonium graveolens. It serves as a floral substitute for rose oil makes it commercially valuable in the perfume and cosmetic industry. The oil is widely used in the cosmetic and therapeutic industries where its floral aroma lends a distinctive quality to products. the oil is added to shampoos, lotions, hair conditioners and body oils.

Rose geranium grows throughout the southern Mediterranean countries but originally came from Southern Africa. It was originally used in Ancient Egypt to rejuvenate the skin and as a beauty aid.

The largest producers are Russia, Egypt and the Democratic Republic Of the Congo.

The oil is distilled from both the leaves and flowers.

From a sensory point of view, geranium oil has a floral rosy note with green, earthy, herbal, fresh and slightly minty notes (Gomes et al., 2007). It is reminiscent of Turkish Delight. Masculine aftershaves such as Kouros (Yves Saint Laurent) and Polo Blue (Ralph Laurens) use it as a heart note by adding a floral nuance to green and fougére formulations.

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Uses Of Rose Geranium Oil

• possesses antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Can be used to clear acne.
• cicatrisant
• when diluted into a carrier oil like almond oil, it can be used as a moisturiser.
• ideal for treating oily and mature skin
• used in aromatherapy to relive stress, anxiety and tension
• It is claimed to restore balance to skin.

It is ideal for oily hair shampoos and conditioners. Very often mixed with rose, lemon oil, bergamot, clove, jasmine, patchouli, ylang-ylang and lavender oils. 

Applications For Rose Geranium Oil

• Bath & Shower

For adults, add up to 5 drops of the essential oil to 2 tbsp bath oil, shower gel, full fat milk or carrier oil. For children over 2 years old or adults with sensitive skin, reduce the amount to up to 2 drops per 2 tbsp.

Treatment Of Acne

• acne is caused by bacteria which causes inflammation of blocked pores following the formation of black heads and pimples. The oil is an effective antibacterial which readily reduces bacterial populations. The oil can also open skin pores and helps in the regulation of excess sebum which leads very often to acne developing. One of the properties of geranium oil is helping to regulate sebum oil production.

Mix 5 drops of geranium oil with 2 or 3 drops of base oil such as almond oil. Add to 100ml of distilled water and mix vigorously. Dab and wash the face to remove sweat and bacteria. Dab the oil with a cotton wool ball to the face after washing and continue to massage the oil emulsion into the facial pores. Dry and rinse off the residue with plenty of water. Do not use tea tree oil as the base oil because it will cause ‘burns’ to the face.

References

Gomes, P. B., Mata, V. G., & Rodrigues, A. E. (2007). Production of rose geranium oil using supercritical fluid extraction. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 41(1), pp. 50-60.