Geraniol: Rose Odour, Perfumery Uses and Handling
Geraniol is a colourless to pale yellow aroma chemical with a sweet, rose-like odour. It occurs naturally in palmarosa, rose and citronella oils, and is used in rose and floral perfume accords, soaps, detergents, agarbatti and home fragrances. It's a listed fragrance allergen, so use it within IFRA guidance.
Last updated 7 Nov 2026
Specifications
- Formula
- C10H18O
- CAS number
- 106-24-1
- Grades
- Technical
Products and pack sizes
| Product | Grade | Pack | Price (incl. GST) | ₹ per kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geraniol/Geraniol 980 (GRL9) | Technical | — | ₹399 | — |
What is geraniol?
Geraniol is a terpene alcohol with a soft, sweet rose smell. It's a main component of palmarosa and rose oils and of citronella oil, and is found in smaller amounts in geranium and lemon oils. Material sold for perfumery may be isolated from essential oils or made industrially.
- Formula: C10H18O
- CAS number: 106-24-1
- Molar mass: about 154.3 g/mol
- Boiling point: about 230 °C
- Density: about 0.89 g/mL
- Solubility: very slightly soluble in water; mixes with alcohol and oils
On a smelling strip it's soft rather than loud. It lasts longer than citrus top notes but less than heavy base notes, which is why it sits comfortably in the heart of a floral blend. Commercial samples can look slightly yellow.
Grades and pack sizes at Azlok
Azlok lists Geraniol / Geraniol 980 (GRL9) as an aroma chemical. "980" and "GRL9" are trade grade codes; check the product page or certificate of analysis for the actual purity and pack size. It's for fragrance use, not food flavouring. See today's price per kg.
Common uses
- Rose and floral accords: a backbone of rose bases, often with citronellol and phenyl ethyl alcohol.
- Soaps, detergents and toiletries: gives a sweet floral note that holds up reasonably well in soap.
- Agarbatti and dhoop: in floral compounds for incense sticks.
- Home fragrance: room sprays, candles and reed diffusers.
- Fruit notes: small amounts round out peach, raspberry and other fruity accords.
How to use it
- Blending: it's milder than many aroma chemicals, so it can be weighed neat into a fragrance concentrate. For trials, a 10% dilution in ethanol or DPG makes small adjustments easier.
- Building a rose base: start with geraniol, citronellol and phenyl ethyl alcohol, then adjust by smelling on a strip over a few hours.
- Limits: geraniol is restricted under IFRA standards and is a listed fragrance allergen in the EU. Check current IFRA standards for your product category before fixing the level.
- Rest the blend for a few days before judging it.
Patch test finished skin products. Finished cosmetics sold in India need to meet the applicable BIS and CDSCO rules.
Safety and storage
- Neat geraniol can irritate the eyes and skin and may cause skin allergy in sensitive people. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- It slowly oxidises in air, and oxidised material is more likely to irritate skin. Keep the bottle full, tightly closed, cool and dark.
- It's combustible. Keep away from flames and heat.
- Keep away from strong oxidisers and acids.
- Keep out of reach of children. Soak small spills in paper and put them in dry waste, not down the drain.
Choosing the right grade and pack
Home perfumers and agarbatti hobbyists will find a small pack enough for many trials. Soap, detergent and incense makers who use it in every batch can buy more, but should keep stock sealed and use older stock first. Ask for the certificate of analysis to confirm purity. For 25 kg or more, use the bulk inquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
- What does geraniol smell like?
- Geraniol has a sweet, soft, rose-like smell with slightly fruity and citrusy edges. It's one of the main notes in rose and palmarosa oils, and perfumers use it to build rose and floral accords.
- Is geraniol natural?
- Geraniol occurs naturally in palmarosa, rose, citronella and geranium oils. Commercial geraniol may be isolated from such oils or made industrially, so ask the supplier about origin if it matters for your product.
- How much geraniol can I use in perfume?
- Geraniol is restricted under IFRA standards and is a listed fragrance allergen in the EU, so the maximum depends on the product category. Check the current IFRA standard for your product type and declare it on the label where rules require.
- What is Geraniol 980?
- Geraniol 980 is a trade grade name used by some producers. The number usually relates to a purity or specification code. Check the certificate of analysis for the actual geraniol content of the batch you buy.
- Can I use geraniol in agarbatti?
- Yes, geraniol is used in floral compounds for agarbatti and dhoop, usually blended with other rose and floral materials. Mix it into the perfume compound first, then use the compound at the level your incense process needs.
- What is the difference between geraniol and citronellol?
- Both are rose-smelling terpene alcohols found in rose and geranium oils. Geraniol is sweeter and slightly fruity, while citronellol is fresher and more leafy-rosy. Perfumers often use them together in rose bases.