Geraniol
Geraniol
- Role
- A scent molecule that is part of the fragrance.
- Catalog formulas
- 35
- Type
- Scent
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Contributes to the scent of the blend. The SCCS uses geraniol as an example of a substance that, in air and in the skin, turns into more reactive allergens such as geranial and epoxides.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In an antiperspirant or deodorant it only contributes to the scent and does not reduce sweating. Its presence in the list means the product is fragranced.
In the EU it is on the list of fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 78): it must be named separately in the ingredient list above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
The 2012 SCCS opinion lists it as an established contact allergen in humans, with 101 to 1,000 positive patch-test reactions reported, which places it among the allergens of special concern.
Not geranyl acetate (Geranyl Acetate), which became a separate entry on the EU allergen list under Regulation 2023/1545.
Products containing Geraniol
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CosIng Checker: Annex III, entry 78 (Geraniol) Supports: restrictions, allergen labelling
- SCCS/1459/11: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products Supports: allergenicity assessment