The benefits and drawbacks of using pelargonium graveolens oil in cosmetics

Essential oils in cosmetics

You may see "pelargonium graveolens oil" listed on the ingredient list on the back of cosmetics, especially in natural and organic cosmetics.

Pelargonium oil is also known as geranium oil . It is a so-called essential oil. It has different properties from fats and oils such as olive oil and sesame oil, and is mainly used in cosmetics to add fragrance.

However, there are also cases where it is mixed with other ingredients in hopes of achieving effects other than the scent. It has also been used for a long time in folk medicine and aromatherapy. Because I expect a variety of benefits.

This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of geranium oil.

Also see this article: Why do organic cosmetics cause skin irritation?

What is Pelargonium Graveolens Oil?

The balsam prickly pear is a plant native to South Africa. Its stems and leaves have a rose-like scent.

The essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves is called pelargonium oil. It is produced in Asia and Europe and is widely used as an ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics.

Benefits of Pelargonium Graveolens Oil

What are the effects of geranium oil?

Although research has been conducted on humans and animals, in fact there is little scientific evidence and many of these claims are based on folklore.

Among them, the following are the effects that have been relatively well studied. There may be less evidence for other effects, so it is best to refrain from using it as a treatment instead of medicine.

Antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant

A 2017 study showed that pelargonium oil may help reduce acne and skin inflammation due to its antibacterial and germicidal properties, and other studies have also shown it may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Prevents swelling

Some research has shown that it may be effective in preventing leg swelling, but this is based on animal studies and the results are not conclusive, so more research is needed.

Relief of menopausal symptoms

Research has shown that pelargonium oil can stimulate the secretion of estrogen in saliva.

Estrogen is a female hormone. Its decrease during menopause is said to be related to menopausal symptoms. This study shows that aromatherapy using scents may be able to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Menopausal skin care: Skin care methods to combat sagging and wrinkles caused by menopause

Stress and anxiety relief

A clinical trial involving first-time mothers showed that the scent of pelargonium oil reduced anxiety during labor.
Additionally, animal experiments using mice have also analyzed its sedative and antidepressant effects, concluding that it is effective in reducing stress.

Allergic risk of pelargonium graveolens oil

While it is touted for its various beneficial effects, there are also risks associated with applying pelargonium oil to the skin, the biggest of which is allergies .

In the EU, to prevent contact allergies, if a skin care product contains more than 0.001% pelargonium oil, it must be labeled on the packaging.

Allergies, once developed, can last a lifetime, which is why national rules are made to ensure consumer safety.

In addition, the US EWG has rated pelargonium oil as a safety rating of 4 , stating that it has a moderate allergic risk.

Be careful with lemongrass oil too!

In fact, pelargonium can cause allergies in people who grow the plant or gardeners who care for it.
If your feet or broken skin come into contact with the leaves or stems of the plant, itching, redness, swelling, and sores may occur.

Also, people who are allergic to geranium may have a cross-reaction to lemongrass.

Essential oils contain many substances in high concentrations, and it is not uncommon for these substances to contain multiple allergens.

If you have allergies or are prone to redness or itching from cosmetics, it may be best to avoid them as much as possible before symptoms appear.

Risk of allergies to essential oils: Essential oils in cosmetics can cause allergies