Pelargonium

NaturalFLOWERSfloral · fruity · fresh

HeartPyramid

3/5Strength

—Tenacity

4Origins

Specimen

Pelargonium graveolens / P. ×asperum / P. odoratissimum

Definition

Rose-green, minty-herbal, and slightly citrusy. Not a rose, not a geranium in the garden sense -- pelargonium is the perfumer's geranium, and it smells of citronellol, wet leaves, and green stems.

geranium, rose geranium, scented geranium

Type: Ingredient
Olfactive family: Florals
Subfamily: Green florals
Cluster: Geranium-like rosy florals
Source: leaves and flowering tops
Chemical class: complex natural (essential oil)

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Producing countries

Egypt India Morocco South Africa

Scent

Rosy-green, minty-herbal, and slightly metallic. Like crushing a pelargonium leaf in your palm -- the rose character appears first, then the green stems, then a minty freshness, then a faintly metallic, almost wet-stone quality from the oxides. Brighter and greener than rose. More complex than either rose or mint alone.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

Terroir & Origins

The Full Story

Pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens and related species) is the aromatic plant that produces what the fragrance industry calls geranium essential oil. It should not be confused with garden geraniums (Geranium spp., the cranesbills) -- Pelargonium is the rose-scented species native to South Africa and widely cultivated in Reunion (Bourbon geranium), Egypt, China, and India.

The essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and stems. Its dominant compounds are citronellol (approximately 30%), geraniol (7-8%), and their esters (citronellyl formate, geranyl formate), which together create a characteristic rosy-green, minty-herbal profile. The oil also contains menthone, isomenthone, and rose oxides, adding minty and metallic qualities.

In perfumery, geranium oil from Pelargonium is a useful material available. It provides a cost-effective rose-like character (cheaper than rose absolute), a lifting green-herbal quality, and excellent blending properties. It is used across virtually all fragrance families.

The Egyptian origin (Bourbon-type geranium from Egypt) is considered the finest for perfumery: most natural in rose expression, with good citronellol-to-geraniol ratios and less minty character than Chinese oil.

—

Related: Geranium

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Steam distillation of leaves and stems of Pelargonium graveolens. Major origins: Egypt (Bourbon type), Reunion, China, India. Yield approximately 0.1-0.2%. CAS 8000-46-2.

Formula: N/A - complex essential oil mixture (key: citronellol, geraniol)
CAS: 8000-46-2
Botanical: Pelargonium graveolens / P. ×asperum / P. odoratissimum
Appearance: greenish yellow liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Synonyms: geranium, rose geranium, scented geranium

IFRA status

See note

No IFRA Standard for the material itself (51st Amendment)

In Perfumery

Heart note in rose, chypre, fougere, and aromatic compositions. Functions as an adaptable rosy-green modifier and cost-effective rose alternative. Citronellol-dominant (30%) with geraniol, menthone, and rose oxide contributions. Egyptian (Bourbon) origin preferred for fine fragrance. Works across virtually all families.

Role in the formula

01diffusion enhancer

02modifier

03signature note

04lifting agent

05blender

06volume builder

Available as

essential oil