Geraniol is a sweet, rose-like fragrancing agent found in fruits such as apples, cherries and grapefruit, as well as in bay leaves, citronella oil, ginger, lavender and essential oils of geranium and lemon. It can also be produced synthetically. It is used in both perfumes and after-shaves (especially in combination with attar of roses and orange blossom oil), as well as bath and body care, depilatories, hair care, lipsticks and suncare. It is one of the declared allergens found in those essential oils. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Geraniol on its lists of flavoring substance considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). The safety of Geraniol has been evaluated by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials Expert Panel (REXPAN). Based on this evaluation, an International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standard has been established. The IFRA Standard restricts the use of Geraniol in fragrances because of potential sensitization. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) defers review of individual fragrance ingredients to the IFRA program unless the ingredient has significant uses other than as a fragrance.

Source: Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4) . Dweck Data.