# Geranium Bourbon essential oil > A luxurious, rose-like geranium oil grown on Reunion Island, valued for its especially rich floral aroma in beauty blends. Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/geranium-bourbon Type: Single oil ## At a glance - **Botanical name:** Pelargonium graveolens - **Plant part:** Leaves and stems - **Extraction:** Steam-distilled - **Aroma:** Rich, rose-like floral - **Origin:** Réunion Island - **Blends with:** Rose, bergamot, patchouli ## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate) Based on 79 GC-MS samples from 25 peer-reviewed papers (2020–2026); Strong evidence base. 145 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range): | Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | citronellol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 28.16 | 25.03–36.82 | 45.6 | 20 | | geraniol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 12.52 | 10.35–18.11 | 38.7 | 17 | | citronellyl formate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 8.46 | 7.3–10.05 | 15.63 | 15 | | linalool | Oxygenated monoterpene | 4.87 | 2.54–6.47 | 12.43 | 22 | | geranyl formate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.35 | 1.33–3.83 | 6.1 | 15 | | menthone | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.67 | 1.46–4.19 | 7.29 | 12 | | β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.28 | 1.01–1.75 | 2.55 | 18 | | geranyl tiglate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.8 | 1.25–2.62 | 4.07 | 12 | | cis-rose oxide | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.2 | 0.52–1.55 | 2.32 | 11 | | β-bourbonene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.11 | 0.9–1.52 | 1.8 | 11 | | geranyl butyrate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.33 | 1.1–2.23 | 5.26 | 9 | | germacrene d | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.81 | 0.37–1.1 | 4.13 | 13 | Chemotypes seen in the samples: citronellol (73% of samples), (r)-citronellol (5% of samples). ## Key constituents - **Citronellol** (20-30%) — A major rose-like alcohol shared with rose oil, giving Bourbon geranium its especially rich floral character - **Geraniol** — Contributes a sweet, rosy-floral note - **Linalool** — Adds a soft, slightly citrusy-floral facet ## How to use it - **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops for a luxurious floral scent in perfume-style blends. - **On skin:** Dilute 2–5% in a carrier oil for DIY hair and skin recipes aimed at a radiant look. ## Safety - For topical use, dilute in a carrier oil and keep out of reach of children. - Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin. - Generally well tolerated, but its citronellol and geraniol are recognised fragrance allergens — patch-test if you have sensitive skin. - Not phototoxic. - Keep out of reach of children. ## What the research says - Geranium oil has been studied for antibacterial activity in the laboratory, in line with its citronellol and geraniol content. This is an in-vitro finding, not evidence it treats infections. — El Aanachi et al. (2015), Phytothérapie (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-015-0950-2) ## Evidence - The 'Bourbon' geranium of Réunion is built on citronellol and geraniol like other geraniums, and is valued for a particularly full, rose-like aroma. — El Aanachi et al. (2015), Phytothérapie (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-015-0950-2) ## Frequently asked questions ### What makes 'Bourbon' geranium special? 'Bourbon' refers to geranium grown on Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon), traditionally regarded as a premium origin with a especially rich, rosy aroma. Chemically it's the same citronellol/geraniol species as other geraniums. ### Is geranium bourbon safe for sensitive skin? It's usually gentle when diluted, but like all geraniums it contains citronellol and geraniol, which are recognised allergens. Patch-test first if your skin reacts easily. ### Is geranium bourbon phototoxic? No — it isn't a citrus oil and isn't phototoxic, so there's no sun-exposure restriction. Just dilute it for skin use. ## Sources (GC-MS studies) - Ahmed AMA, Khalid KA. Glutathione to ameliorate growth criterions and chemical constituents of geranium irrigated with salt water. _Heliyon_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10368903 - Samy A, Helal NM, El-Araby MM, Abdallah WE. Anticancer and antioxidant activities of Pelargonium graveolens L., Mentha longifolia L., and Chrysanthemum frutescens L. under salt stress. _Scientific reports_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12929598 - Gerami N, Rahimmalek M, Gholami M, Tohidi B, Szumny A. Changes in Phytochemical, Physiological, and Morphological Traits in <i>Pelargonium graveolens</i> as Affected by Drought Stress and <i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i> Extract. _International journal of molecular sciences_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12470972 - AbuEl-Leil EF, AbdelRahman MAE, Desoukey SF. Effect of kaolin on productivity, anatomical and biochemical responses to water deficit in Pelargonium graveolens grown in sandy soil. _BMC plant biology_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11583396 - Abou El-Leel OF, AbouEl-Leil EF, Aly AA. Evaluation of in vitro-geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) plants affected by irradiation and chemical mutagens. _BMC plant biology_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12548295 - Scheau C, Pop CR, Rotar AM, Socaci S, Mălinaș A, Zăhan M, Coldea ȘD, Pop VC, Fit NI, Chirilă F, Criveanu HR, Oltean I. The Influence of Physical Fields (Magnetic and Electric) and LASER Exposure on the Composition and Bioactivity of Cinnamon Bark, Patchouli, and Geranium Essential Oils. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11281253 - Al-Mijalli SH, Mrabti HN, Assaggaf H, Attar AA, Hamed M, Baaboua AE, Omari NE, Menyiy NE, Hazzoumi Z, Sheikh RA, Zengin G, Sut S, Dall'Acqua S, Bouyahya A. Chemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils at Three Different Phenological Stages. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9459842 - Niculau EDS, Alves PB, Nogueira PCL, Romão LPC, Cunha GDC, Blank AF, Silva AC. Chemical Profile and Use of the Peat as an Adsorbent for Extraction of Volatile Compounds from Leaves of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L' Herit). _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2020. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC7662363 - Sabotinova D, Boycheva P, Ivanova N, Andonova V, Georgiev V, Zhelev I. Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of the Aerial Parts of <i>Pelargonium radula</i> and <i>Geranium macrorrhizum</i> Cultivated in Bulgaria Using GC-MS and HPLC. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13028625 - Sereia MOP, Santos EAD, Leite LP, Neves RC, Marin VR, Ferreira H, Contiero J, Sass DC. Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Rhamnolipid on <i>Xanthomonas citri</i> Subsp. <i>citri</i>. _Microorganisms_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12114190 - EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F, Ramos F, Sanz Y, Villa RE, Woutersen R, Brantom P, Chesson A, Westendorf J, Manini P, Dusemund B. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl). _EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10373134 - Abdel-Ghany HSM, Ayoob F, Elsawy BSM, Alzan HF, Youssef AA, Abdel-Shafy S. Acaricidal and synergistic activity of essential oils, their binary combinations, and nanoemulsions against larvae and unfed adult stages of brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae). _BMC veterinary research_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12849189 - Oliyaei N, Awlqadr FH, Irajie C, Yazdanpanah S, Zomorodian K, Iraji A. Preparation and Characterization of Emulsion-Based Fucoidan-Whey Protein Film Activated With Geranium Essential Oil for Food Applications. _Food science & nutrition_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13109817 - Alvand ZM, Aghamir F, Torabi K, Parseghian L, Ghassempour A, Mirjalili MH, Rafati H. Antibacterial activity of pelargonium graveolens essential oil nanoemulsion evaluated by microfluidics and DESI mass spectrometry. _Scientific reports_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13273082 - Benzaid C, Djendi ML, Touaibia S, Klaiaia LR, Kihal A, Tichati L, Soussa A, Rouabhia M. <i>Pelargonium graveolens</i> essential oil against clinical <i>Candida</i> and reference isolates: insights into virulence inhibition and therapeutic perspectives. _Frontiers in fungal biology_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13294198 - Sadek HE, Abd-Elatef EA. Insecticidal activity, chemical characterization, and biochemical responses induced by selected essential oils against Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). _Scientific reports_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13424309 - Gavzan H, Azimi R, Mashayekhpour MA, Tabari MA, Shayestehmehr R. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil nanoemulsion in mice. _Scientific reports_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12056012 - Dumlupinar B, Karatoprak GŞ, Demirci B, Akkol EK, Sobarzo-Sánchez E. Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of Geranium Oil and Its Synergistic Potential against Pneumococci with Various Antibiotic Combinations. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10489623 - Karadağ AE, Biltekin SN, Demirci B, Demirci F, Ghani U. Comparative In Vitro and In Silico Enzyme Inhibitory Screening of Rosa x damascena and Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils and Geraniol. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10537268 - Seo E, Cho Y, Lee JM, Seol GH. Inhalation of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil Alleviates Pain and Related Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Moderate to Severe Pain. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10818376 - …and 5 more on the canonical page. _Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._