FlavScents AInsights Entry for Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil (CAS: 90082-51-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, commonly known as geranium oil, is a natural complex material derived from the flowers of the Pelargonium graveolens plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this essential oil is 90082-51-2. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and various industry references. The composition of geranium oil can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Geranium oil is characterized by its fresh, floral, and sweet aroma with a hint of rose-like notes. It is often described as having a green and slightly minty undertone, contributing to its complexity. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, making it a popular choice for both flavor and fragrance applications. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, geranium oil is typically used as an impact note or a modifier in formulations, providing a natural and realistic floral character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranium oil is naturally sourced from the flowers of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, which is native to South Africa but is now cultivated in various regions including Egypt, China, and India. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers. Its designation as a "natural fragrance" or "natural flavor" is due to its direct extraction from plant material without synthetic modification. The composition of geranium oil can vary based on environmental factors and cultivation practices.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, geranium oil is used primarily in confectionery, beverages, and baked goods to impart a floral and slightly fruity note. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Geranium oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Geranium oil is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral and chypre fragrance families. It acts as a middle note, providing a fresh and rosy character that blends well with other floral and citrus notes. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the formulation. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to both the top and middle phases of a fragrance's evaporation profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Geranium oil is composed of several key constituents, including citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone. These components contribute to its characteristic scent profile. The exact composition can vary significantly based on the oil's origin and processing, with citronellol and geraniol typically being the most abundant constituents.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, geranium oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is assigned an FL number for flavoring purposes. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, while in Latin America, regulations can vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but country-specific variability exists.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Geranium oil is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization, although IFRA provides guidelines to ensure safe use. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranium oil is valued for its versatility and ability to impart a natural floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral, citrus, and herbal notes. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired complexity. It is frequently used to enhance the realism of floral accords and to provide a fresh, green note in various applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranium oil is well-established, with extensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although some variability in composition and regulatory interpretations may exist. Known data gaps include specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception, which are often estimated based on industry experience.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-06-12 14:39:47 GMT (p2)
