5 min read / 3 October 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez
Benefits and Uses of Rose Geranium Oil
A floral alternative to popular geranium, this oil is renowned for its gentle, fragrant qualities.
A more floral alternative to gentle geranium, this oil is a soothing balm for the body and mind.
Despite being a variant of the same plant as Geranium, the benefits of rose geranium can differ slightly from that of its less-sweet cousin, though many are largely the same.
Rose geranium has often been considered the more popular of the two for cosmetic purposes due to its distinct rose-like aroma.
As actual rose essential oil is very difficult and expensive to extract, this oil has become a much desired alternative in the world of aromatherapy.
What is Rose Geranium Essential Oil?Also known by the botanical name Pelargonium Rosem, rose geranium is a gentle but fragrant oil derived from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the Pelargonium plant, native to South Africa. Extracted via steam distillation, this gentle oil is used widely to scent perfumes and other beauty items - particularly skincare products and deodorants - due to rose geranium oil’s naturally rosy smell, as well as its gentle properties for the skin. Rose geranium essential oil is an almost colourless pale shade of green and has a soft, flowery scent akin to the scent of roses. Because of the gentle floral notes that rose geranium possesses, the oil is often associated with evoking feelings of calm and relaxation. |
Rose Geranium Essential Oil vs Geranium Essential Oil
Rose geranium oil is often confused with geranium oil, as the two both come from variations of the Pelargonium plant.
The two oils have fairly identical properties, and whether one is used over the other usually comes down to a preference in smell – with rose geranium having a slightly more floral scent profile.
What are the health benefits of Rose Geranium Essential Oil?
Rose geranium oil, like geranium itself, has been renowned for centuries due to its ability to help treat a wide variety of health conditions.
While some are more well researched than others, rose geranium essential oil has been known to help with conditions including:
- Signs of ageing and other skin ailments
- Stress and anxiety
- Lowered immunity
Is rose geranium oil good for the skin?
Rose geranium essential oil, like geranium oil, is heavily revered for its strong restorative effects on the skin.
It can soothe and tighten the skin, helping to improve its elasticity as well as prevent dryness and create an air of youthfulness to the face. This is largely due to the antioxidant properties present in the oil.
These same antioxidants can also help prevent the skin from harm caused by toxins and other forms of exposure.
Due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, rose geranium may be able to spot treat acne and other irritations on the face, though it must always be diluted beforehand (despite its gentle nature).
Does rose geranium oil improve your mental health?
Recent research has also shown that the scent of rose is extremely beneficial for easing the mind and lifting low moods.
A study conducted in 2017 tested the therapeutic effects of rose-scented oils against several trials, for which the majority noted a positive impact on anxiety, extremely low mood, inability to relax and even sexual dysfunction.
This suggests that smelling or inhaling rose geranium oil through a diffuser or oil burner can have a positive effect on common mental health struggles.
Using rose geranium essential oil to boost the immune system
One of the most powerful properties that rose geranium oil possesses is its ability to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi both internally and externally.
In fact, many sectors of the food industry use rose geranium oil as a natural preservative due to the strength of these benefits.
A review of studies conducted in 2017 also found that rose geranium oil may be able to reduce the bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause certain skin infections and diseases.
How to use Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Aromatherapy
With such a beautiful scent as that of rose geranium oil, it’s no wonder that one of its most popular daily uses is aromatherapy.
Its calming, floral aroma makes it a great choice for diffusing before bed, or for winding down at the end of the day. It also works great as a natural air freshener.
Combine 5-7 drops of the oil with water and add to an oil burner or diffuser for a soft, sweet and floral scent.
Alternatively, you can simply hold a bottle of rose geranium essential oil to your nose and inhale.
Add a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball for on-the-go aromatherapy and stress relief.
Massage
Geranium oil’s naturally powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its relaxing and stress-relieving qualities, make it a great choice for an restorative massage.
Dilute 5 drops of rose geranium essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil) and massage evenly into the skin.
We always advise performing a patch test before applying rose geranium essential oil on the skin.
Bath
Add 6-8 drops to warm bathwater for a calming and stress-relieving experience for the mind and body.
Adding rose geranium essential oil to your bath can carry many of the same therapeutic benefits as aromatherapy, as the scent will carry through and fill the air with a sweet and floral aroma.
Skincare
Add a couple of drops of rose geranium essential oil to a carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba oil) or your chosen lotion and spread evenly, or on to affected areas.
Rose geranium oil makes for a fantastic natural anti-ageing remedy, as well as a natural cleanser for the prevention of acne.
We always advise performing a patch test before using rose geranium essential oil on the skin.
Soap & Candles
Suitable for soap making and candle making. We recommend following a tested recipe.
Looking for creative ways to use your rose geranium essential oil? Discover a number of fun candle and soap recipes in our Make at Home blog section.
History of Rose Geranium Essential Oil
The scents of rose geranium and geranium oils have been utilised as far back as ancient Egypt for their sweet and floral aromas.
They were brought into Europe in the 17th century and were commonly used as protective mediums to ward off evil spirits.
The smell of the plant then became extremely popular in the Victorian era, with potted versions of the plant populating parlours as well as windowsills to provide a fresh scent and vibrant colour to many homes. 
The gentle nature of rose geranium oil has made it an extremely popular choice for skin care and relaxation, with its pleasant scent skyrocketing it further still.
Whether you prefer the milder scent of geranium oil or the more overtly floral tones of rose geranium, this soothing oil makes for a great addition to any self-care collection.
Shop our rose geranium essential oil here.
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Product Name |
100% Pure Rose Geranium Essential Oil |
| Botanical Name | Pelargonium Roseum |
| Scent Type | Floral |
| Benefits & Uses | Skin, Calming |
| Suitable for Diffusers? | Yes, this rose geranium essential oil is perfect for diffusers. |
| Suitable for Candles and Soaps? | Yes, this rose geranium essential oil is perfect for candle and soap making. |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Bottle Type | Tamper proof and UV resistant |
