Geraniol is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol. It is the primary element of rose oil, palmarosa oil, and citronella oil (Java type). It also occurs in small quantities in geranium, lemon, and many other essential oils.

Geraniol has a rose-like scent and is commonly used in the cosmetics industry for lotions, perfumes, soaps, and detergents.¹ It is also used to flavor sweet foods like ice cream and candy. Common flavors geraniol is used for include peach, raspberry, grapefruit, red apple, plum, lime, orange, lemon, watermelon, pineapple, and blueberry. 

Research has shown geraniol to be an effective plant-based mosquito repellent. It does have the unique ability to attract bees, however. Geraniol is produced by honey bees’ scent glands to mark nectar-bearing flowers and help them locate the entrances to their hives.² 

Geraniol has been studied for its antimicrobial, antibacterial,³ and pain-relieving properties.⁴ Further study is required to prove geraniol can affect cancer cells in humans, but its antioxidant⁵ properties show promising potential in cancer research.⁶ Geraniol also functions as a neuroprotectant,⁷ which could be utilized in the treatment of diabetes.

Geraniol has exciting implications for cannabis topicals, as it can enhance the skin’s ability to absorb cannabinoids.²

Cannabis strains containing geraniol include Afghan, Skunk Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, Afghani, Lavender, and Amnesia Haze.