Geraniol

PhytochemicalTerpene

What is it

Geraniol is a monoterpene alcohol found in geranium, rose, citronella, palmarosa, and many essential oils. It is used as a fragrance, flavor, and insect repellent ingredient, and has been studied for antimicrobial activity.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Flavor / fragrance / insect repellent

Limited Evidence

Used widely for sensory and insect repellent properties. Direct clinical health benefits in humans are limited.

How it works

Geraniol disrupts microbial cell membranes, contributing to antimicrobial effects against various bacteria and fungi in vitro. It also has insect-repellent properties and is included in some natural mosquito repellents. In supplements and aromatherapy, geraniol contributes flavor or fragrance and may interact with various biological systems, though specific clinical health effects in humans are not well established.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Used at very low concentrations as flavor/fragrance. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Not separately timed; follows the timing of the parent product.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Geraniol (terpene)

Component of rose, geranium, citronella, and palmarosa oils.

Lipophilic; absorbed orally and through skin.

Safety

GRAS as a flavor at typical food levels. Concentrated geraniol can cause skin irritation; it is a known but uncommon allergen.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated topical use in known geraniol/fragrance allergy. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: trace dietary exposure is fine.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported at typical food/fragrance doses.

Food sources

Rose hips, geranium, fruits with floral notes

Amount
trace
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is geraniol safe?⌄

At food and aromatherapy doses, yes. Concentrated topical use can cause skin irritation in some people.

Does it repel mosquitoes?⌄

Yes. Geraniol is effective in concentrated repellents, though shorter-acting than DEET or picaridin.

References

Geraniol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Geraniol (ChEBI:17447) — ChEBI link

Geraniol (PubChem CID 637566) — PubChem link

Geraniol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Geraniol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.