geranium oil

Also known as: pelargonium oil, rose-geranium oil

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Geranium oil is a pale yellow or greenish essential oil with a rose-like odor. It is obtained from various plants in the genus Pelargonium. This oil is also known as palmarosa oil or pelargonium oil. It is primarily used in perfumes, soaps, ointments, and dusting powders. Some species of Pelargonium are commercially important for producing this essential oil, which is valued for its aromatic properties when the leaves are rubbed or bruised. Rose-geranium oil is a specific type of geranium oil, sometimes associated with the addition of rose petals during distillation.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

geranium
… species are commercially important for geranium oil, an essential oil used in perfumery. Geranium oil, which is also called pelargonium oil, or rose-geranium oil, is colourless to pale yellow-brown or greenish and has an odour like that of roses. It is used chiefly in perfumes, soaps, ointments, and tooth and…
Read More
… species are commercially important for geranium oil, an essential oil used in perfumery. Geranium oil, which is also called pelargonium oil, or rose-geranium oil, is colourless to pale yellow-brown or greenish and has an odour like that of roses. It is used chiefly in perfumes, soaps, ointments, and tooth and…
Read More