What is Geraniol? Powerful Uses and Benefits of this Potent Terpene Isolate

Learn about the unique properties of the Geraniol terpene isolate and how you can use it to enhance your products.

You know what geraniums are (if you don’t, go check your mother’s flower garden). But what is geraniol? Yes, it’s found in geraniums, but you’ll also find this delicate-smelling terpene isolate in wine grapes, roses, and more.

Pronounced juh-rey-nee-awl, this terpene is floral, sweet, and plays an important role in nature as well. Plus, did you know you can use the unique properties of Geraniol to enhance a wide variety of products? From skincare and edibles to vapes and pre-rolls, isolated Geraniol or blends dominant in this terpene can lend your products exquisite flavor and aroma.

Read on and learn more about where Geraniol comes from, its unique properties, side effects, and more.

What is Geraniol?

If you’re new to terpenes, here’s a quick review to get you up to speed. Geraniol is, first and foremost, a terpene. But what are terpenes? Terpenes are hydrocarbons, which is a fancy way of saying they’re compounds with hydrogen and carbon. In the simplest sense, though, terpenes contribute to the vast world of aromas and flavors around you. Most plants and some insects naturally produce terpenes. 

In the past, people thought essential oils were the purest form of a scent. However, those oils are actually a mix of several different terpenes. If you refine essential oils even further, you can isolate specific terpenes for maximum purity. Every terpene has a unique scent, flavor, and various properties.

If you want to experience Geraniol from nature, you can find it in geraniums, roses, lavender, palmarosa, citronella, lemongrass, and more. With these plants in mind, it should be no surprise that Geraniol has a pleasant floral aroma with subtle citrus notes. 

Its appealing aroma and flavor make it a popular ingredient in skincare, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and as a food additive. Companies also use it in small quantities to enhance flavors like lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange. Geraniol’s properties extend far beyond its lovely smell, though.

Potential Side Effects of Geraniol

As with many common substances, people can have allergies to Geraniol. Anecdotal evidence suggests allergic contact dermatitis, or sensitive human skin irritation, may be a side effect of topical geraniol use.¹ 

This is true for many substances you use daily, including soaps and detergents. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, you’ll want to read the instructions that come with our isolates to make sure you’re using them correctly.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes geraniol as safe for human consumption when used appropriately, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exempts it from registration when used as a pesticide or insecticide- unlike chemicals.

Geraniol-Dominant Terpene Blends

Whether you want to harness its unique properties or its floral aroma, you can infuse Geraniol into products in several ways. 

Obviously, you can use the isolated terpene form, but you also have the option to infuse your products with terpene blends that are dominant in Geraniol. Some of these blends are from our Entourage Series, which contain as many terpenes as our Premium Strain Profiles for the same powerful effects in fruity, fun flavors.

If you want to lean into the delicate aromas of Geraniol, you’ll love our Rose Gold blend. It also contains other floral terpenes like Bisabolol, but it manages to be powerfully floral without being perfume-y. It’s sweet, soft, and feminine.

For a sweet, umami experience, our Green Tea blend offers a clean, herbal aroma that’s peaceful with a zen-like vibe. Prefer something fruitier? Not a problem. Honeydew serves up the flavors of juicy, ripe melon with luscious floral sweetness.

Want to add more intensity to the delicate florals of Geraniol? Our Cloudburst Series packs maximum terpene flavor and aroma for experiences that can’t be ignored, and   Lychee Jelly definitely fits the bill. It’s startlingly tart with musky notes of tropical fruit and delectable florals.

Abstrax Tech | Infuse Products with Geraniol Today

Curious about adding Geraniol to your product formulations? Have questions about terpenes? At Abstrax Tech, we conduct industry-leading, peer-reviewed research on terpenes and other aroma compounds. We know terpenes, and we know how to help you use them to create the best products possible. 

Contact us today, and we’ll help you formulate products with your desired aromas, flavors, and effects.

1. Lapczynski, A., Bhatia, S. P., Foxenberg, R. J., Letizia, C. S., & Api, A. M. (2008). Fragrance Material Review on Geraniol. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18640215/