Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract?

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract comes from the flowers of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant better known as rose geranium. The blossoms are rich in fragrant oils and small amounts of naturally occurring alcohols and terpenes that give the plant its fresh rosy scent. People have used rose geranium in perfumes and skin potions since the 1800s when its pleasant smell made it a favorite in Victorian gardens. Over time its soothing feel on the skin earned it a place in beauty routines.

To create the extract growers harvest the flowers then pass them through steam or a gentle solvent bath. This pulls out the beneficial compounds which are then filtered and concentrated. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a sweet floral aroma.

Today you will find Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract in face masks, daily moisturizers, anti-aging creams, toners, after-sun gels and even some scalp serums. Brands like it because it brings a light scent while helping skin feel soft and calm.

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This plant extract serves a single main purpose in formulas.

Skin conditioning: When blended into creams or serums it helps keep the outer layer of skin smooth and flexible. Users often notice skin that feels softer, looks more even and stays comfortable through the day.

Who Can Use Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract

This floral extract suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and even oily skin because it is light and non-greasy. People with very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should proceed with care since the natural scent molecules can trigger redness or itching in a small group of users.

Because the ingredient is 100% plant derived it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles and is not processed with animal by-products.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is applied in the small amounts found in cosmetics. There is still limited safety data for this group so this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review new products with a healthcare professional to be safe.

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity so daytime use does not normally require extra sun precautions beyond a regular broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract vary from person to person. The following list covers possible but uncommon reactions assuming the product has been formulated and stored correctly.

  • Skin irritation such as mild stinging or burning
  • Redness or flushing of the application area
  • Contact dermatitis marked by itchy patches or small bumps
  • Allergic reaction to naturally occurring fragrance compounds like geraniol or citronellol
  • Eye discomfort if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5. Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract is a lightweight aromatic extract that contains mostly volatile fragrance compounds rather than heavy lipids that can clog pores. Its thin consistency lets it evaporate or absorb quickly without leaving a greasy film, so it rarely traps dead skin or sebum in pores.

Acne-prone users usually tolerate the ingredient well because of its low pore-clogging potential.

Keep in mind that some formulas pair this extract with richer oils or butters which could raise the overall comedogenicity of the finished product, so always consider the full ingredient list.

Summary

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Extract is valued in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning ability and its fresh rose-like scent. By supplying lightweight emollient molecules it helps the surface of the skin stay smooth supple and comfortable while adding a pleasant natural aroma to creams serums toners and masks.

The extract is fairly popular in clean beauty lines and niche aromatherapy products though it is not as mainstream as ingredients like aloe or glycerin. Brands looking for a botanical fragrance booster that also pampers the skin often choose it.

Overall safety data are good when the extract is used in typical cosmetic concentrations. Most people enjoy it without issues yet individual sensitivities can differ, so doing a small patch test with any new product is always wise.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search