Is Geraniol safe in cosmetics?
Geraniol has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Geraniol
Also known as: (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol, 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-, (2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (E)-, trans-Geraniol (+14 more)
INCI: GERANIOL
Geraniol (CAS 106-24-1) is a cosmetic fragrance functioning as fragrance; antimicrobial. NOAEL 300 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 10 ppm in leave-on products, 100 ppm in rinse-off products. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data.
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Geraniol is classified GHS Danger (H315, H317, H318) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10 ppm in leave-on products, 100 ppm in rinse-off products.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status/eu max; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
fragrance; antimicrobial
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
10 ppm in leave-on products, 100 ppm in rinse-off products
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No US federal individual fragrance ingredient disclosure requirement; listed as fragrance only under FDA rules
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Geraniol.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
3 study endpoints found for Geraniol. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 50 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg bw/day | dermal | Rat | developmental | ECHA |
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Geraniol across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Geraniol based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
moderate
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
1.1%
Cross-reactivity Group
fragrance-mix-I
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted
— max 5.0% in finished products
Source: ESSCA/IVDK
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Geraniol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
18-32%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
154.3 Da
Log P
3.28
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-28%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS Opinion
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
7 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =345 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | EFSA |
| LD50 | =3600 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg-day | Rat | dermal | - | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg-day | Rat | dermal | - | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rabbit | dermal | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =3600 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Warning
Pictograms
Harmful / Irritant
Hazard Class and Category
Skin Sens. 1
Hazard Statements
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
Inserted via ATP: ATP15
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
0%
DPRA Lys %
2.6%
KeratinoSens IC50
875 µM
hCLAT CV75
184.5 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
16.1%
NESIL
2362 µg/cm²
LLNA: Weak (1B)
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: LLNA: Lalko et al. (2004) (RIFM DB #37070) | Lalko et al. (2004)(RIFM DB #37071); DPRA: Natsch et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2868] | Nukada et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2012.11.006]; KS: Urbisch et al. 2015 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.008] | Joint Research Centre of the European Union 2014; hCLAT: Ashikaga et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1177/026119291003800403] | Unilever commissioned, IIVS; HPPT: [184] Opdyke DLJ (1974): Geraniol. Personal communication, unpublished.
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
5 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIPT | 112 | 0 | 11811 | 11811 | non-sensitizer |
| HRIPT | 109 | 0 | 5905 | 5905 | non-sensitizer |
| HRIPT | 110 | 0 | 2362 | 2362 | non-sensitizer |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 11811 | 11811 | weak |
| HMT | - | 0 | 3240 | - | - |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: fragrance
Receptor targets: TR (thyroid histopathology)
LOEC: 50 mg/kg/day (LOAEL in vivo; EOGRTS)
EU status: allowed (allergen labeling ≥0.001% leave-on)
modulator (thyroid)
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (III - Restricted)
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Restricted (Fragrance Allergen) · max >0.001% leave-on / >0.01% rinse-off requires labeling
India: Restricted
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (2)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU | restricted | 5.0 | fragrances |
| GCC | restricted | 0.001 | Leave-on products |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
EPA Dryad Skin Absorption (physics-based)
MW: 154.253
LogP: 3.55828
Kp epidermis: 0.09682 cm/h
% dose epidermis: 0.84%
% dose stratum corneum: 0.9%
% dose dermis: 0.88%
Source: EPA Dryad Skin Absorption 2024
Roberts Skin Permeation (Mendeley 2022)
MW: 154.25
Log Kow: 3.56
Log Kp: -1.0140143705888278
Log Jmax: -7.143573851798894
Source: Roberts Cheruvu Mendeley 2022
Aggregated DA Values (1 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_in_vitro | 3.5-7.3 | In vitro; flow-through diffusion cells; [14C]-labelled | Human cadaver skin; occluded | Gilpin et al. 2010 (Dermatitis) (2010) |
IFRA Concentration Limits (12 Product Categories)
International Fragrance Association standards per product category. Restriction: Restriction. Effective: 2024-01-01.
| Category | Max % | Category | Max % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Lip products) | 0.5% | 7a (Deodorant – not spray) | 1.0% |
| 2 (Body spray) | 0.15% | 7b (Deodorant spray) | 1.0% |
| 3 (Body cream) | 0.5% | 8 (Face cream) | 0.17% |
| 4 (Fine fragrance) | 2.0% | 9 (Soap) | 2.5% |
| 5a (Body lotion) | 0.5% | 10a (Household – non-spray) | 2.5% |
| 5b (Face cream leave-on) | 0.5% | 10b (Household – spray) | No Restriction% |
| 5c (Hand cream) | 0.5% | 11a (Intimate – leave-on) | 0.17% |
| 5d (Baby cream) | 0.17% | 11b (Intimate – rinse) | 0.17% |
| 6 (Mouthwash) | 0.5% | 12 (Not for consumer exposure) | No Restriction% |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfume | 0.01–1 | 5 | CIR Safety Assessment |
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
Deodorizer
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Humectant
No specific technical function
Regulatory List Membership (6)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Geraniol — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
eu-26-allergen
label-declaration-required
contact-allergen
natural-origin
eu_children_restricted
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
jecfa_safe
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Geraniol by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
3
Lowest NOAEL
50 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
500 mg/kg bw/day
COSMOS DB
ECHA
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5-7.3 | In vitro; flow-through diffusion cells; [14C]-labelled | 3:1 DEP/ethanol |
Known Synonyms
(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
(2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (E)-
trans-Geraniol
trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
(E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienol
Geraniol 60
Geraniol 980
Geraniol BJ
trans-1-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-,
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimetil-, (2E) -
4-01-00-02277
BRN 1722456
3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, (E)-
EINECS 203-377-1
FEMA No. 2507
Geraniol alcohol
Chemical Function
Fragrance
Regulatory Lists
Europe; Personal care; restricted
Europe
air; Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; emissions; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; Europe
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; Europe; Vehicle - car interior - auto air freshener
Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - hand soap
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical and food safety data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
GERANIOL
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL25719
SOURCE
EFSA / FDA GRAS
food_additives
Food Safety Data
Same-CAS food additive or FDA GRAS records from the core public database.
Food Name
GERANIOL
ADI
No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent mg/kg bw
Food Category
flavoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Geraniol allowed in the EU?
Geraniol EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 10 ppm in leave-on products, 100 ppm in rinse-off products. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Geraniol do in cosmetics?
Geraniol functions as: fragrance; antimicrobial. It is classified as a Fragrance in our database. CAS number: 106-24-1.
What is the NOAEL for Geraniol?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Geraniol is 50 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS DB.
Is Geraniol used outside cosmetics?
Geraniol also appears in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Geraniol have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Geraniol is classified GHS Danger (H315, H317, H318) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10 ppm in leave-on products, 100 ppm in rinse-off products.
Compliance Tools
Check Geraniol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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