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Moumoujus

GERANIOL.

Avoid CAS 106-24-1 / PERFUMING, TONIC

Geraniol is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid alcohol primarily valued as a fragrance ingredient. It also exhibits a range of beneficial properties for the skin, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and conditioning effects, and can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients.

Summary

Perfuming Tonic Antimicrobial Antioxidant Skin-Conditioning Penetration Enhancer Solvent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Geraniol functions as an antioxidant, offering protection against environmental damage to the skin. It possesses antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria and fungi, thereby supporting skin cleanliness and balance. The ingredient also demonstrates anti-inflammatory action to help soothe irritated skin, promotes moisture retention for improved skin conditioning, and can act as a penetration enhancer for other active compounds.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.001%
Red flag below
0.07%

As a widely used fragrance ingredient, Geraniol is frequently incorporated into cosmetic formulations. Due to its classification as an established human contact allergen, EU regulations mandate its declaration on cosmetic labels if its concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products. Concentrations approaching or exceeding the IFRA-recommended maximum of 0.07% for facial leave-on products are a significant red flag, indicating elevated sensitization risk.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Geraniol is prone to oxidation when exposed to air, heat, or UV light. This oxidative degradation can significantly increase its potential to cause skin sensitization. Therefore, optimal packaging that minimizes air and light exposure, alongside the use of fresh stock, is critical for maintaining its stability and safety profile.

Synergies

  • Other active ingredients (as a penetration enhancer)

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Acid chlorides
  • Acid anhydrides

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.07%%
Sensitization risk High

The FDA lists Geraniol as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for cosmetic and food flavoring uses in the United States. Conversely, the EU and SCCS classify it as an established human contact allergen and a declarable fragrance allergen, necessitating its mention on cosmetic labels above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. While it exhibits a No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) of 11000 μg/cm² for skin sensitization, its known allergenic potential, particularly when oxidized, remains a significant concern. It is not expected to be phototoxic or photoallergenic.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite possessing theoretical antioxidant, antimicrobial, and conditioning properties, Geraniol is an established human contact allergen with medium irritancy. Its highly restrictive usage concentrations and potential for increased sensitization upon oxidation make it unsuitable for precision skincare formulations where minimizing allergenic risk is paramount.

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